[SPECIAL LIMITED EDITION. | 

PRICE, PER COPY, 50 CENTS. 



I W b:RE A KING. 

A Drama in touR Acts. 

For Male Cliaracters ()///v. 



ii'DSKi) I'OK Tin: St. Cixii.ia I'iulo.ma iiii'.an Soe ikiv, ov tiik 
Ixn KRsiTv <i|- Xoi'KK Dami:, I mj., \i\ \ Mk.mukk oi 

THK C<>I.Li;(iK FA(.1 I.TY. 



Prscri ptiuii of ('osl/uncs^ Cast of CZ/az-ar/c/s^ Hut ranees 
and Hxits^ ete. 



I '- 



d- 



ArRAjNCJKD AM) Pi Ml.lslll.I) 

(%' JOSEfPH A. LYOJVS. J. M. 



NOTRK DAMi:, INDIANA 
rNIXKRSrj-^' PRKSS. 

1882. 




V 



I^ntcrcd accoi-din^^ lo Act ol L'<)nL;i-(_'ss, in tlu- vcar ibi!S2, hi 

I()SI:P1I a. LYONS, 

in tlu- OlI'uT ol' the Lih|-ari:ni ot' Congress, at \\'asliiniit()n. 



/&6 



DEDICATION 



To I II I M i;.Mi;i;i';>- oi- riii; 

SI'. LlXIl-lA I'lll I.OMA J1I1:A\ A.SS( )l.l All ON. 

I'Asr, i>i<i;si.\ r, and ww to m:. 

This Attk.mi'T to Pk i:i' \ui-. i-or Piui.k ation 

A DRAMA 

Ai.ui:ai)> I'wiii.iAR IN Tiii.iK llIs^oR^, 

WD i-:\i)i-: AH i:i) ro iiii-.U! i;i:c oi.lix' iioxs. 

IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED 

\\\ oNi; 

wiiosi: UKKiii ri;s r i; i;.mi n isc i-;.\c i:s, 

Di i{iN(. A Pi:i;i()i) ()!■ '1"\\ i;n I \ -l'i\i; ^'l;\Ks. 

AKi, oi rm. iioi K> 

P\ssi:;i) IN Tiii:iK Soi Il■:■|■^. 

I. A. 
XoiKK Dami:, 1\!\, 

Fidst of St. Ctxilia, \ov. 32. 1SS3. 



INTRODUCTION. 



Tlie storv of "The Sleeper Awakened" has boon the suj^gestix e 
theine tor manv variations, all of which are peculiarlv attractive to 
the joung. One of the least objectionable tbrnis ot' the story is 
embodied in the present drama, and it is hoped will excite the in- 
terest elsewhere which it has always done durintf its presentations at 
Notre Dame. Rev. A. Lemonnier, aware of the power of dramatic 
exercises upon the youthful heart, made it one of his occupations to 
compose and procure the coinjiosition of such forms of the drama 
as would amuse and at the same time elevate tlie mind. In this he 
was ettectively assisted by a lady whose real name, well known to 
Catholic literature, has been since shrouded by the mantle of religion. 
She put the present play into its metrical shape. It is hoped that 
as the work becomes more widelx known, it will reflect upon its 
authors the credit thev so justlv deser\ e. .Such is the expectation 
of 

'rill-: piiujsiiKR, 



DRAMATIS PERSON/E. 



(Jknako, the Shepherd Kin^-. 

I'^iiKDixAND, Kiiii^- of Naples. 

Rri^^e'o, Cousin of the King% and Conspirator. 

Do.v GoxsAi.\'o, Spanisli Amhassador, and Conspirator, 

Ijozza, Major- Domo of tlie Kind's Pahice. 

\' \i.i.;i!i(). The Slieplierd Kind's I.ittle I)rother. 

Ai.i!i:irro, Son of the Kin^-. 

Mei^ciiioue, a Court iei-. 

B \X(ir<>, 0\ erseer of the Sliepherds. 

Ci-XAio, Chief Shepherd. 

PlIILIPPO, 

IjAI'TISTO, 1 ,,, , , 
,, ■ ;- Shei)herds. 

>Siu\-io, I ' 

Marco, ! 

Aloxzo, (reneral of the Kind's Annies. 

Verdi, ) 

l^Ki'i'o, '. Pao-es. 

Ltx(^ \ 

S'ri:i'ii A\(>, Chief of tlie Prii^a nds. 

Lrcfo, 

Pi:d!!(), ,, . , 

r , - l>ri'>ands. 

I I! so, j 

Canti.lo, I 

OltAZZIO, I 

Mauino, ! , , 

, , - ^ ourtiers. 

L i;i; A \o, [ 

DoK'IO, 

Lk.wdko, the Roval Cshei-. 

I.OKKNZO, I ,,,v; 

TT ■ ( )rneers. 

lU'GOXI, \ 

Li'i'o, J 

( jfioo, ■ Chanilierhiins. 

ToMAZZO, \ 

(jiON'Axxi, a Heiniil, 



COSTUMES. 



(Jknako. /.</ Dress, as Shepherd: lii^ht bhic jacket and trunk hdse ; 
liroad-brininied hat with ribands; shepherd's crook. s(f Dnss : Roval 
roljes ofinu-ple velxet, Crown and sceptre. White and i;old tunic and 
hose. 

1''i;k Dix AM). .Scarlet robes, white and ^old tunic and liose. 

M i:i.ciii()i^ i:. - T)ark blu<.' doublet and hose: with short I'loak anil hat. 

Ri'iscc). — The same crimson. 

Don Goxsalvo. (rreen and w liite satin tloublet. cloak and hose. 
Spanish hat and feathers. 

HozzA. Bhick and <j;old robes. White wand. 

Ai.i:i:r ro. — Bri^^ht blue and siKer doublet and hose; cloak and hat 
to i'orresi-)onti. 

Ok Azzio. (iarnet and pale i;reen silk doublet and hosi.'; cloak anil 
hat. 

Vt.WUVi^.- rs/ Drrss. Red jacket and trunk-hose. IhU and riband-: 
-he)iherd's crook. j(f Dnss. Brown habit and cowl. 

C(".i All), \'ai.i:ki<), and .Sii i:i>inatns- -Same as (Jenaro's lirst dress; 
in \ arious colors. 

.\i,i)\/i). -.Scarlet :md ^old do\iblet. cloak and hose. Hat and 
leathers. 

Pai.f.s. Dark blue anti i;old doublets and hose, in uniform. 

.Stki'IIANo and BKiiiANDs. -Dlack \elvet jackets and trunks. Cross 
i'-artered lu)-c. Conical hats with ribands. Medals and belts. Riiles 
and pouches. 

Cm RTIKKS. — Same as Melchiore, in various colors. 

LivANiiKo, T.oKKXZO. Ilrtioxi, and Lui'o. — Dark robes like those 
wornb\ |]o//a. \V:mds ol" office. 



i:XriS .WD KXTRAXCES. 

R. mean- Rii^/tf : I.. Lr/f : R. D. A'/V/// Door: T,. D. /.<•// Door: 
S. v.. Scnuiif /Cii/nnin.- V. E. I'/^/'tr Riifraiicr : M. D. Mi<l,llv Door 



Ri:L.\'nvi-: rosiiions. 

R. meims Riu:lit : L.. [.rft : C. Cru/r, ; R. C.. f?i-r/if nf Cru/r,' 
\.. C. Ac// o/ Crii/rr. 



PREFACE. 



'T^HIS play, written tor the St. Cecilia Piiilomathean Society of the 
L'ni\ersity of Notre Dame, is one of the most popular in their rep- 
ertory. The plot is substantially as follows : In the first act, shep- 
herds are discovered watching; their sheep near the Bay of Ischia. 
They find a letter announcing that the Prince is to be drowned, and 
that a conspiracy has been entered into against the King of Naples. 
The letter closes with an allusion to "two brothers" that puzzles the 
shepherds. A shepherd boy of superior appearance, Genaro, enters, 
and is greeted with affectionate reproaches for his long absence. After 
a while he falls asleep, and is left to rest in quiet, but soon awakens, 
and in soliloquy reveals the fact that he has that diiy saved the Prince 
from drowning, has been rewarded, and promised the lasting friend- 
ship of the royal heir to the throne of Naples. This event seems to 
have aroused in the youtli an ambition for something higher than his 
present condition, and he alludes with bitterness to the cruelty of his 
overseer, Baiitjiio, but despairs of escaping from it, when Banquo him- 
self enters, and abuses and menaces Gmaro, who turns and defies him. 
T!ie overseer leaves the stage, venting hi^ rage in threats. Genaro^ dis- 
couraged, is about to go as conuiianded to tend the sheep, when he is 
joined by iiis little brother Valerio, who enumerates the wrongs he has 
sutfered, and is assured by Goiaro that he shall ne\ cr be subjected to 
the like again. 

Conspirators enter, and discuss their plan for the assassination ot 
Kiiio' Ferdinand ; but Genaro, under cover of a large tree, overhears 
their conversation, and is startled to find Banquo a bribed accomplice in 
the projected treason and regicide. Rvisco^ Gonsalvo, and Banquo are 
the conspirators. Huisco, being the king's cousin, has determined to 
betray Naples into the hands of the Spaniards (the Spanish Naval Gen- 
eral, Cesare, being in the secret), on condition than when Ferdinand is 
dead .Spain will recognize him as King of Naples. jRuisco discovers 
Genaro. Alarmed, he questions him, to find if anvthing had been over- 
heard. Genaro boldly rebukes the \ illain for his presence in this lonelv 
place at such an imseasonable hour, but gives him no satisfaction, and 
Ruisco leaves the scene, undecided whether to kill Genaro or not. 

Left alone, the shepherd immediately summons his companions, and, 
telling them all. declares his determination to take them with him to 
Naples to inform the king in time to prevent the crime. In the ne.\t 
scene, Genaro^ considering the dangers that hang over the kingdom 



PREFACE. 



expresses his desire to be possessed of power, armies, fleets, fortifica- 
tions, etc., tliat he might be <ible to execute justice, protect innocence, 
encourage virtue, and make tlie world happy. He falls asleep on the 
greensward, and, dreaming, — sings, " I wish T a\ ere a King." At this 
moment the roval cortege, passes. The king overhears his wish, and 
resolving to give the shepherd-boy a taste of royalty, steps from the 
litter, and orders that Genaro be carefully laid upon it, and carried in 
this wav, asleep, to Naples. Tn the palace, Ferdinand collects his cour- 
tiers and tells of the joke he is plajdng, informing them that they must 
treat the new king as if he had reigned for years, and that he abdicates 
his crown for three days in favor of the shepherd. The major-domo 
of the Palace observes a remai-kable \\ bite lock of hair on the head ot" 
(jciKiro whilst he is vet asleep, and is struck by the fact beciuse this 
is peculiar to the present royal line of Naples. 

The jouth awakens, wonders at his surroundings, is obsequiously 
greeted bv courtiers, and, though cpute mystified, finding all persist in 
treating him as a king, he resolves to embrace this providential oppor- 
tunity to rescue the kingdom from impending danger. Meanwhile, a 
meeting of the conspirators takes place, and their confidence of success 
is shown. 

The scene following finds Genaro assembling the entire court. From 
the throne he announces the intended attempt to assassinate the King; 
pointing to Riiisco and Gonsalvo, he orders them to be searched, and 
conclusive evidences of guilt are found. The royal joke turns out a 
miraculous defeat of treason and murder. While this is going on, 
Spanish forces are moving upon Naples ; as Ferdinand is listening 
to the storv of the white lock, the alarm is given, and he rushes out to 
battle. 

Alberto, the Prince, hears the cannonading, sees the flames, and the 
palace in disorder, enters, calling for his father, when Genaro meets 
him, and they recognize each other. 

Genaro, left alone, is attacked by a party of brigands in the pay ol 
R/iisco, with that villain at tlieir head, who is about to slay him for 
having defeated the plot, when Cecato, a shrewd shepherd, who with 
his fellows had come to Naples to give information, infiicts summary 
justice, and the shepherds, Genaro and Cecato, leave, tired of royal life, 
for their hoine, glad to know that Banqno will never torment them 
again. Banquo, seeing the turn of aftairs, and meeting with much 
trouble with brigands, being arrested and nearly murdered once or 
twice, determines to leave the world and play the hermit until danger is 
over. The qualms of a bad conscience torment him, however, and we 
see that crime carries with it its own punishment; for this overseer had 



PRET-ACE. XI 

stolon Grnaro and J^alerio, princes, from the palace, in their infancy 
lu'inij lirilicd h\- If/n'sco. 

Naples once quiet, after the defeat of the Spaniards, Pcrdiuaud sends 
for GriKiro to reward him in a manner beeominii; the y;reat service he has 
rendered. In Naples the identit\' of d'o/trro and \'aIrn'o with the stolen 
princes is attested, and the youth, who as a simple shepherd h5id sa\ed 
the life of the prince and the throne of the kin<i;, finds liimself at last 
heir to the crown he has rescued in so sinoiilar a manner from the 
L;'rasp of the usurjier. 

This plav was llist hrouijht out about a dozen ^■eal■s a^o. in the palm- 
iest da\-^ ot' the Association, and the roJrs were originallv taken by the 
O'Connells. Footes, Wiles, Dodges, Sta'leys, llcalys, Ilibbards, Hatches, 
Xirdlingers, Kennedys, Cooks, Butters, "^^'allins, Mukautzs, Mayers, 
Sidleys, Dailys, Labarthes, Carlins, Dunbars, Ewings, Brclsfords, 
Fletchers, Ilaldorns, Marks, Maurices, Beakeys, I^dwardses. Brackens, 
Dillons, Enolishes, ^Vh\■tes, Flanagans, Braunsteins, Kings, Guthries, 
Grahams, Staces, Otises. O'Reillys, Walkers, Skellys, Ryans, Carrs, 
Dw\ers, McCartys, Reynoldses, ^IcIIughs, Mahoneys, Willsons, 
O'Neills, Coi>i">ingers, 1 lackniiinns, Dixons, Dooleys, Freenians, 
Wetherbees, McCartneys, Berdels, Tallants, Clarkes, Nicholases, 
Kanes, Cochranes, Arringtons, llutchingses, TIefJcrnans, Redticlds, 
Hemstcgers, Coghlins, I^chlins. Schaefers, Gr;iys, Flynns, Clearys, 
Bakers, Blackbiu-ns. Balls, Cai-rolls. Flormans, Ilagans, Kellevs, 
Murdocks, ^levers, Ohmers, Porters, Rolierts, Smiths, Walshes, 
\'oungs, McCarthys, Grevers, McGraths, Suggs, Rhodiuses, Ilomans, 
Quinns, Brownos, Fishels, Burgers, Tinleys, Orricks, Burnses, Hayeses. 
Gihbonses, Taylors, Arnolds, Zahms, Mahons, Ackhoffs, Ortmavers, 
Bacas, ^Vards, Breens, Riunelys, Mugs, Ilibbens, Devines, Egan.s, 
Dunns, Flemings, Widdieombes. Bertelings, Blooms, Cavanaughs, 
Ashtons, Furers, Hakes, Lindbergs, Soules, Woodses, Del Vecchios, 
Dolans, Grosses, \Veisenburgei-s, DoAvneys, McNamaras, Mitchells, 
Solons, Ingersolls, Benoists, Morancvs, Bells, Nelsons. 

The foregoing are only a few from among the man\ names ot' St. 
Cecilia Philomatheans whose grand entertainments in Old Washington 
Hall attracted crowds of distinguished visitors from neighboring cities, 
and who may well be proud o(" the popularity they acquired. Old 
Washington Hail has passed away, but the memory of the happy hours 
sju-nl w ithin its walls will not soon be forgotten by the gallant band of 
St. Cecilians, many of whom have since made their mark or become 
distinguished in the literarv, scientific, or commercial world. 



f 



IF I WERE A KINC 



A Drama in Four Acts. 



Composed for the St. Cecilia Philomathean Society, of the University 
of Notre Dame, by a Member of the Faculty. 



ACT FIRST. 



SCEM-: I. 

Sunset on the liav of" Ischia. — \'esu\ ius in iho bac-k<ji-oiui{L 

[Philii'po, Cecato, ]Mai!cc), Hai'tis'ix) and SiiAio rccli- 
nino- 0)1 the o-rass.\ 

SuA'K). ( Playing a soft strain on the on/tar. ) 
Cloud, cloud I why so fair, 
Floating- on the mellow airr 
Cloud, cloud ! why dost fade, 
While the stars thy realms invade? 
All thing's die! and the sk\ 
With her beautv makes me sioh. 
Ladv, star of hope and light. 
Shine upcni our path to-night. 
I'nij.ippo. —The hazy slumber of this twilight scene 
Creeps through me like an opiate. Cecato, 
If Silvio's lute would hold its charming strains, 
And could this siuiset horizon but last, 
And I drink in the beauty, here reclining, 
T should desire no other heaven. 
Cecaio. {Laughing). Ha! ha I 

That's like the lazy fellow that you arc, 
\ iiu animal! 1 am sure the quiet sheej) 
are reallv more consistent. 



'4 



H" I WERE A KING. 



Philippo. In what vvu) r 

Cecato. They rise to crop the grass. Thc\- lap the sail 
With graceful pleasure from the she2:>her(rs hand; 
They give their wool unmurmuring to the steel, 
And fill our souls with lo\ e for innocence. 

Piiil.ipjM). ( .Starl///o- forward zvith mock a/zj^cr.) 
What then ! am 1 a murderer or a thief 
That T do not as \\ellr (^Pi'cks up a paper.) 

But what is this? 
Where did this paper come from? Do you know? 

Makco. ( 7\rk/i/i;' ihv pa per. ) 
Why, no! But 'lis a funn\'-looking thing! 
Philippo, those hlack marks for all the world 
Look like cockioaches' legs. Cecalo, sa\ , 
Vou can read writing, can't }ou r Read this thing. 

Cecato. ( Takiiio- tJic paper \citJi a consequential air.) 
Read writing! whv of course; who sa\'s I cairt? 

( .1// clitsler ro/i.i/il lo see tJie paper. ) 
Here, let me take it! Don't stand in m\ light. 
You ignoramuses! Don't know penmarks 
From broken cockroach-legs! For shame on \()U ! 

( CecA'I'o eyes the paper s//spicio//s/v.) 
On my word 1 don't like that man's Avriting! 
( Scra/c//es //is /leaJ. | It looks like like a clap of thunder, 
As I live Fll het the thing is pois(ni! 

Phii.ii'Po. Quick! Read the thing! 

Cecato. Don't he in such a hurry. Won't ye>\\ wait 
.\nd let a body ha^■e a chance to hreathc? 

( Clearing his throat., begi)is to read) : '■'•]w\c twenty-onth"— 
( Tiiriring to look at the boys) That, ho3's, was yestei'day. 
That was the time the thing- was written. Ha! 
{After a pause) vSome one has got himself into a muss 
By letting this thing drop. — Now let me read : 
" The Prince is to l)e drowned within the bay 
This very evening" — (to the boys) That, boys, Avas 

last night. 
Now let us see what nn)re: " Come without fail 
To the white oak at eleven o'clock to-night. 
The Spanish Minister will meet us there. 
And one King Ferdinand will pass that way. 
The snares are set; Inil should the game escape, 



IK 1 W JiltK A KIM, 



To-morrow we'll dispose of him. Look sharp 
To the two hr()ther^. Midnight is the hour. 

'' Ri'isco." 

l^oys, that thing- fairly s^'rozc/s. [/~/o/(/s the paper off.) 

.Silvio. Indeed it does. 

But, pray, Cecato, who in the wide world 

Could that Ruisco write this stuff to? 

Cecato. Humph! 
That ^xirt's left out. '' The white oak is the forest." 
Fine plaee for an ambassador to meet 
A man at midnight. Boys, true as you li\ e 
This serap belongs to some most de\ili^h plot. 

Phii.ipi'o. {I)idigna)itly. ) 
How ditl he know the prinee was to be drowned 
Mad he no baud in drowning him himself : 

Silvio. One faet I'd like to know is, who he means 
By the two brothers. 

PrtiLii'iM). Humph! there's one thing sure 
'Tis a rascally piece of business all round. 
Pd like to catch the rogue \yho let this (h'op, 
Ruisco! Drown the Prince! 

Cecai'o. Black-hearted \vretchl 
Where'er you are, you'll get no good of this! 
Pll keep it safe enough. {Places the paper in his i>osoni 

and apostrophizes on it.) There now% you imp; 
\ ou're locked up in \ oui' prison. Tell no tales! 

Pl-liLriM'o. By-t be-by, w hat's keeping our Genaror 

liAPTisro. 1 wonder! lie's been gone these two long 
days. 
Genarol prompt as sunrise. It is strange! 
He is so true to dut\ that I fear 
Misfortunes haye beset him. 

Ckcato. They soon w ill. 
That's one thing certain. Banquo ra\ es like mad 
Aliout his absence. Poor (Tenaro! Zounds! 
I'd like to choke old l?anipio! 

Makco. So would 1 ; 

He treats those bo\ s so beastlike. As for us, 
'Tis not so \ery bad, — though, goodness knows. 
Tis not so \er\- eas\-. 



l6 JF I WEKK A KING. 



Philippo. Every time 

The fellow stirs he growls like a mad dog. 
( ShakitiiT his hand amrn'/v ) He's given me six t^o^ oi^u-s 
in a week. 

Baptisto. And thrice has sent me supperless to bed 
Because I broke the shears. 

Marco. Oh! that was kind 

Beside his common treatment. It is strange 
He did not make you stand upon your head 
For half a day, or hang you by your thumbs 
For forty hours; but, boys, what we have borne 
Is nothing to the way he treats Genaro 
And his poor little brother. But last week 
Valerio found a bird, a harmless thing, 
And who should come but Banquo. We all ran, 
Each to his place, like chickens from a hawk. 
He pounced, though, on Genaro, — "What! you clown! 
Are you placed here to fool vour time away V^ 
Thus stormed awa>- old Banquo. " We vsall see." 
He snatched Valerie's bird — and though, poor boy, 
He screamed and tried to shield her, the old wretch 
Crushed her to death, then turned and furiously 
Rushed on Genaro, grasped him by the hair 
And kicked and bruised him till we thought him dead. 
Valerio cried, and when at last the brute 
Bound up Genaro's hands, Valerio struck. 
This made the tiger rave. Round he whirled 
L'pon the little fellow, and the blows came doAvn 
Like a tornado. Since that day 
He's kept Valerio on bread and water. 

Philippo. T think he means the bo>- shall star\ e to death. 

Baptisto. And so think I. But I don't understand 
Why he so hates these boys.' The finest bovs 
That ever lived! 

Cecato. Because they are fine. 
He hates them for the love they win from us. 

Baptisto. There is some other reason. There is a spite 
Behind the curtain that we do not know. 

(Enter (tKN'aro, r., suddenly^ agitated^ vest open^ hair 
dishevelled^ etc.^ ctc.j] 

,SiL\'io. ( Rushing with the other boys to greet him.) 
We were all speaking of you. 






IF I WERE A KING. I7 



Philippo. (^Shak'ng hands with him.') 

Welcome home, 
Genaro ; may God bless you ! Are you well ? 

Genaro. Yes, well. Atid you are well? I am glad to 
see you. 
But I am somewhat weary. 

Cecato. (^Shaking- hands and leading him to a mound.) 
Have a seat! 
It seems an age since you have been away. 
Pray, what has kept you? 

i^All regard him anxiously.) 

Genaro. Oh! it's nothing, boys. 

Baptisto. Genaro, had Cecato gone away. 
And not explained the reason, in that case 
We would think nothing of it; but in you — 
We do not understand it. 

Cecato. Hear the lambs! 
They welcome vou, but want your ow^n account. 

Genaro. Which they shall have to-morrow; now, my 
friends, 
I will enjoy this meeting with old friends. 

Cecato. You found more pleasant friends away from us, 
Therefore you staid so long. 

Genaro. There you mistake. 
Home is the sweetest place on all the earth. 
But what did Banquo say when first he missed me.? 
Or, did he not observe it? 

Cecato. Catch him blind! 
He bustled like a hornet, and declared 
He'd beat you till the blood ran. 

Genaro. ( Rising proudly. ) 

Beat me! No! 
Banquo shall never beat me! 

Sii.i'io. Let him try, 
And we will pay him for it. 

Cecato. But, I pray. 
What has disturbed your feathers? you, as neat 
As a one year old lambkin, — what rude brier 
Has torn your fleece? 

Genaro. {^Laughing.) My hair, then, needs a comb? 



l8 IF I WERE A KING. 

Boys, I am tired. I'll go to rest awhile, 
And in the morning all shall be quite smooth. 

(^Hc throws himself on a mound.') 

Baptisto. [Alusic.) Yes, rest, Genaro. 
Boys, come on — let's dance to welcome Genaro. 
Silvio, tune your guitar. Now, boys, take your stand. 
[^ Aside.) 'Tis not our business why he was away. 
[Philippo, Cecato, Marco, and Baptisto daitce an 

Italian step; Genaro looks on for a while, then falls 

asleep and the dance closes. ~\ 

Cecato. {^Approachiizg Genaro cautiously.) 

Genaro is asleep. I am glad he is! 
But I do wish I knew what happened him! 

Silvio. Stop talking, Cecato, or he will wake; 
Besides, we ought to go and tend the sheep. 
And let the poor boy rest. {^Exeunt onines, r., but 
Gnnaro; he awakes after a moment.) 

Genaro, {^Rising- to a sitting position.) 

Ah! Is it morn.'' 
No; only twilight (^he looks around to assure himself that he 

is alone) — of a happy day. 
Because I've saved a fellow-creature's life; 
And this is my reward — a cross of gold. 

{^JDraws a Cross from his bosom and kisses it.) 
How near we came to drowning! It is well 
My strength did not forsake me. 
A happy day in which to save a Prince! — 
That boat sank down so swiftly I saw not 
The coat of arms embossed upon the prow; 
I leaped into the bay and grasped the youth — 
My energies all bent on saving him. 
When he was rescued, I felt so absorbed. 
That nobleman or beggar 'twere the same; 
But when he gave this cross and promised me 
Protection and undying friendship, then 
His gentle, courteous words unnerved me quite: 
I swooned. When I revived, the Prince was gone; 
But o'er me bent his servant and he gave 
Reviving cordials, and a world of thanks; 
" For he whose life you saved," the servant said, 
" Is the great King's beloved and only son." 



1 



IK I WERE A KING. 



19 



( Thoiightfullv^ 'Twas odd how he was wrecked! 
'Twas very strancrc! 
Would I could meet that prince again, 
(/\/ses) For 1 am tired of life without endeavor. 
Eat — drink — sleep, — no thought, no act 
To elevate my mind. 
Oh! it is galling to me! I would learn 
About the great, broad world. I want to be 
All that mv soul can make me. Here I am 
A poor, ignoble shepherd : but within 
There throbs a heart that burns for something higher. 
Would I had means to cultivate my mind! 
r prav to meet that generous friend again ; 
His words ring in my ears. T love the Prince. 
{MournfuUv^ But no, no, no! I am but a simple shepherd — 
The slave of Banquo, — treated as a brute, — 
Bearing injustice till my soul is crushed. 
Who thinks of poor Genaro? There's not one. 
( Sings a plaintive song.) 
{Ente7- Baxquo. l. u. e.) 

Baxquo i^Not seeing Genaro). 
That wretch of a Genaro! The j'oung scamp 
Is growing too large for his old shoes! 
I'll teach him a good lesson! 
[Hejionrishcs his xuhip and perceives Gexaro.) 

Ha, you wolf! 
Where have you been these three davs? Speak, I say! — 
You cheating viper! Tell me where you were? 
And what you were about? Tell me, I say? 

G E X a r o. ( Pro7idIy ) . 
I've nothing, sir, to tell you. {^Asidc) '- 'Tis a dream 
Too sweet to be disclosed to that bad man : 
No, Banquo shall not know it. 

Banquo. [After pausing in surprise^ threatens with his 
zvhip.') 

Dare me bov ! 
Tell me, or I will kill voul 

Genaro. (Defying BaiKjno.) I shall not. 
You have no right to treat me as vou do — 
Nor will I bear it longer. Wicked man ! 
Learn you to keep your distance! Stand away! 
I will not take your insults. 



20 IF I WERE A KING. 

Banquo. {^Lowers his ivhip in surprise^ retreating from 
the scene^ speakijtg back over his shoulder.^ 

Ah! fine airs! 
Fine airs for you, young fellows! But we'll see 
What good will come of them! Impertinent, 
Ungrateful, lazy boy ! Go tend the sheep! i^Exit. l. u. E.) 
i^Enter Valerio. r.) 

Genaro. (^Indignantly.) Why must I do his bidding? 

Valerio, Welcome home! 
God bless you, darling brother, where were you 
When everybody thought that you were lost? 
Oh! but I'm glad you've come! 

Genaro. Valerio, 

My only comfort is with you. 

Valerio. But say, Genaro, what were you about? 

Genaro. O, nothing much! A little lamb was lost, 
And I strolled off to find her. 

Valerio. The poor thing! 

But, brother, surely you look very strange! 
Your clothes are rumpled, and your face is red. 
Say, have you seen old Banquo; and has he 
Been scolding you again? 

Genaro. Let Banquo go! 

Valerio. ( Crying.) Yes, if we could. He treats us 
both so harshly. 
I want to run away. He curses me 
And starves me half to death, and makes me cry 
Till I am sick of living. 

Genaro. (^Embracing Val.) Don't despair, 
Dear little brother; for that cruel man 
Shall never lay his hands on you again. 
I will not let him. 

Valerio. (^Looking puzzled.) Why, how odd you look! 
{^Abruptly) I understand! we both can run away! 

Genaro. Or go in quiet to more worthy friends. 

Valerio. ( Clapping his hands.) 
Good! Let us go now and chat with the boys. 
I'll tell them that you are coming. So make haste. 
(^He runs off the stage., r. u. k.., followed by Genaro walk- 
ing slowly. Curtain falls. Lively music.) 



IF I WERE A KING. 21 

SCENE 11. 

Under the White Oak.— Time, Midnight. — (Lights down). — Forest 

Scene. 

(Don Gonsalvo alone^ c; enter Ruisco cautiously^ L. u. e.) 

Ruisco. There is no risk, Gonsalvo. At this liour 
The very stars are sleeping. See: The clouds 
Draw a black curtain to shut out the light. 
'Tis dark as Erebus. 'Tis just the time 
To make our plot secui"e. Look you around: 
'Tis still enough for murder. Fear nothing! 
No living soul can find us. We are safe 
From human eyes and ears. 

Gonsalvo. You're very sure? 

Ruisco. Sure as a man can be; that's sure enough. 

Gonsalvo. The pledge stands good, Ruisco. All is well. 

Ruisco. Yes, on the same conditions. 

Gonsalvo. {^Gruffly,') Give the script! — 
Quick! None must know I met you. Come! make haste! 

Ruisco. Take it, my lord; and read it if you please. 

Gonsalvo. ( Reading slowly by the aid of a dark-lantern. ) 
" I, Ruisco, on my word of honor, pledge 
The Castle of St. Elmo, and the lands 
Of Sicily adjoining, with the forts 
Of Palermo and (jaeta, to the crown 
Of my lord the King of Spain, if in return 
His Minister, Gonsalvo — in event 
Of Ferdinand the king's assassination — 

(^Pauses and looks at Ruisco sig7iijicantly.) 
Shall recognize me as the lawful heir. 
And hail me king of Naples." All is right. 
Here is my pledge. 
(Gonsalvo hands a paper, which Ruisco reads in silefice.') 

Ruisco. The work is done, hidalgo. 

Gonsalvo. When shall we storm St. Elmo? 

Ruisco. Any time. 
Three days at farthest. Wednesday, if you will. 

Gonsalvo. Agreed ! 

R,uisco. 'Tis General Cesare in command; 



IF I WERE A KING. 



He will straightway surrender. All is fair. 
He knows my plan, and scruples nothing. 

GoN SALVO. ( With a warning gest.ure.'S 

Hold! 
My name must not be used. Adieu, my lord! 

Ruisco. {Folding his arms and walking musingly.) 
Matters are gliding smoothly. In one week 
The task will be accomplished. 'Tis good luck 
That so far none have thwarted; but, in fact, 
Should I desire, I could not now retreat. 
My cousin's eldest children, proud and fair — 
Yes, they were wisely stolen. They are gone, 
And quite forgotten for these many years; 
And yesterday the last one perished, — died 
By accident; a prudent accident! ( Chuckling.) 
{Enter Genaro noiselessly-, R., hidden by a tree.) 
Drowned in the Bay of Naples. No one now 
Stands in my way but Ferdinand himself. 
And he shall be disposed of, — for why not. 
Since matters must go forward? One bold step 
Will make me king. Yes, I can trust my men; 
There's Cesare at the head — and vStephano 
With his biigands; and Banquo, best of all. — 
For one clear farthing he would sell his soul; 
A very rare old scoundrel! Good for him! 
But I must call him quickly. 

{Blows a whistle., and Banquo soon enters, l.) 
Ho, Banquo! {Presents -paper.) 
Here's work for you : see that it be well done. 
Take this dispatch yourself, with special care, 
Sti-aight to the Spanish Admiral. Now, mind : 
His picket-boat you'll^find upon the Bay, 
Close to the three white willows. Furthermore, 

{Hands paper. ) 
This message to the General in command 
At Santa Elmo, General Cesare; Hark! — 
In his own hands! 

Banquo. ( Obsequiously.) 
My lord, I understand! 

Ruisco. The work must be done quickly. Do you heari* 



IF I WERE A KING. 23 

Banquo. Yes, my lord ; I shall be prompt and faithful. — 

Exit^ L, 

Ruisco. (^Discovering- Genaro.) r. 

(Aside) Zounds! What if that boy has heard? I must 
know ! 

The youngster must be questioned. Zounds! What luck! 

(^Aloud) Boy! What are you here for? 

Genaro. Signor, in reply 
I might request to know, if you will tell, 
Whether a nobleman who in good faith 
Appears a courtier, is not out of place 
In this deserted spot at such an hour ? 

R uisco. ( Dissembling. ) 
I'm seeking some one. Have you seen a man 
About here lately ? 
Genaro. (^Emphatically.) 
I have seen you, sir. 

Ruisco. But some time since? Have you seen men 
conversing? 

Genaro. (^Evasively.) I have been slumbering, and I 
should be now — 
Since night was given to honest men for sleep. 

Ruisco. Have you seen men with me? Speak out now, 
boy. 

Genaro. I know not whom, even now, I might behold. 
Could I distinguish with a keener sense. 

Ruisco. (^Menacingly.') 
Be not too sharp, young fellow. (Aside.) If I knew 
That he had heard our plot, I'd kill him. Wait! 
His comrades may be near. {Alond.) Look sharp, young 

man, 
To that glib tongue of yours! 

Genaro. (Proudly.) Spare your advice. 
(Exit Ruisco, l., looking menacingly at Genaro; — after a 

pause : ) 
1 am a shepherd-boy; I'm nothing more; 
But I've a conscience, and were I a king 
It could be no more binding. I am sure 
There's mischief in the wind. That vile wretch 
Covets the throne of Naples, It was he 



24 



IF I WERE A KING. 



Who made the attempt to drown the httle prince, 
And now he plots the murder of the king. 
Banqiio is his abettor! Just the man 
To play the assassin! And for me, 
Now is my time! I'll act a manly part. 

Holy Mother of God, help now your child 

To fulfil his duty! ( Whistles for the shepherds, who 
cfiter. R.) 
Cecato. {^Rubbing his eyes, hair tumbled, etcS) 

Shepherd King, 

1 think you're getting crazy! A queer time 
To call out your courtiers. But never mind. 

{^Scratches his head.) I beg your pardon! I was sound 

asleep 
And wanted to stay dreaming. By the "way, 
Who was that ruffian fellow whom we met? 
I surely thought he'd crush mc 

Genaro. {^In a clear undertone.') Silence, boys! 
That man is a vile traitor. Do not speak 
Of what I'm going to tell you. Promise me. 

{All.) Yes, yes, Genaro. 

Genaro. (/« a suppressed, but clear and distinct voice.) 

As I lay asleep 
I thought you called me, Silvio. I awoke. 
And heard a hvisky voice, then I arose 
To find out who was talking. "No one," thought I, 
"Can come at such a time for aught that's good?" 
I crept behind this tree, and, what think you? — 
The man you met was muttering to himself 
Of killing King Ferdinand. Boys, keep still! 
He named accomplices; Banq a was one! 
{^All start and look at one another in astonishment.) 

Cecato. {Shaking- his head.^ 
Banquo! Just like him! I am in for it, 
Boys, he deserves a flogging. Come on, boys! 
{Rolls up his sleeves.) Where shall I find him? 

Genaro. {^Authoritatively.) Quiet, Cecato, 
Or you will thwart my plan. A wily plot. 
Involving Don Gonsalvo, has been laid. 
And General Cesare, of the royal troops 
At Santa Elmo, is upon the list, 



IF I WERE A KING. 2^ 



And the vile conspirator Banquo — Boys, (pohits) 
He stood where Marco stands. I saw the wretch 
Accept his murderous errands. 'Tis our place 
To intercept and balk him. 

Cecato. Whoop! hurrah! 
We'll be the end of Banquo. Come along ! 

Genaro, Hush! Do not be so noisy. We must go 
Directly on to Naples, and denounce 
The traitors to the King, Poor shepherd-boys, 
God grant he may believe us! 
Marco. ( Thoughtfully and slo-ivly.) 

That black scamp 
Might kill us on the way. 

Genaro. Who is a coward? 

All. We are not cowards ! We are not afraid ! 

Cecato, We'll see the end of Banquo! His old whip 
Shall rest. So shall we shepherds. 

Genaro. Listen, boys; 
We'll start before the sunrise. Don't forget 
To keep most prudent counsel. Go to rest, 
But speak to no one of what has occurred. 
Strict secrecy! 

All. Yes, we'll hold our tongues. {^Exeuttt.) 

Genaro. The powers of darkness prowl about the world 
Like starving tigers. Ah, poor Naples! sleep 
In thy unconscious beauty. In a day 
The regicide will blast thy glory. Woe 
Follows Prince Alberto. He likewise 
Is tracked by the usurper. When 'tis known 
Alberto was not drowned, that human fiend 
Will rest not till he has the Prince's blood. 
Poor Naples, and poor monarch! Would to Heaven 
I were a noble lord, a prince or king. 
To overthrow these monstrous plots! O friend! 
Invisible guardian from the Court on high! 
Help me to execute this act of justice. 

were I but m\'self a king — could I 
Command huge armies, and have castles strong, 

1 would see justice done. Then would I go 
And i-escue Naples from this wicked plot. 



26 IF I WERE A KING. 



{^Plaintive Afiisic.) O, would I were a king! 

A mighty king! 

i^He lies down and falls asleep. Sings., " If 1 were a King-.'''') 

{^Enter Banquo, r., bringing Cecato, itz a very confidefitial 

way., who., looking nnconcerned^ innocent and stupid, al- 
lows himself to be dragged on the scene.) 

Banquo. ( Coaxingly.) 
Cecato, now, my lad, I have some sheep 
Just purchased near St. Elmo— and, you see, 
To make the bargain good, this docvunent 
Must go straight to the castle. They were bought 
By means of General Cesare. Now, you see, 
I want that you should take this right to him. 
Cecato. ( 7 akes the message^ 
Yes, sir; I'll do my best, Nobody else 
Shall touch this paper till I have a mind. 

Banquo. (^Patting him on the shoulder.) 
That's a fine fellow ! that's a charming lad ! 
Good journey to you. When you have come back 
I will reward you with a piece of gold. {Exit., r.) 
(Cecato swaggers and gesticulates mockingly for sofne time.) 

Cecato. What a big fool he is ! Rogues think they're 
smart, 
But, fooling, sometimes they are fooled themselves. 
How cunning you are, Banquo ! Ha! ha ! ha ! 
You amiable old porcupine ! I wish 
You could have seen yourself ! you looked in truth 
Like henbane playing rosebush. Ha! ha! ha! 
I'll keep your message safe. Poor, foolish man, 
You thought I took your story! This, no doubt, 
( Taking the paper) Relates to the great plot. At any rate 
I'll try its power to-morrow. {Exit Cecato. l.) 

{Enter Valerio, r., coming to his brother^s side). 

Valerio, Genaro! O Genaro! wake, I say! 

(Genaro sings in his sleep. Valerio interrupts him.) 
Genaro! O Genaro! do wake up! 

(^Valerio at last nestles by his brother'' s side and goes to sleep.) 
{March. — Efiter the royal cortege., r. — Ferdinand on a litter 
— Melchiore, Orazzo, Marino, Verdi, Beppo, Lino, etc.) 

Melchiore {Pointing to Genaro). 



IF I WERE A KING. 2'] 

Your Majesty, hark to that shepherd-boy ! 
Listen to what he sings. (They pause.) In discontent, 
The shepherd wishes that he might be king. 
Peasants imbibe high notions. 

Ferdinand. {^Alights from the litter.) Once a king, 
He soon would wish himself a shepherd-boy. 
But we will play a joke. He shall be king. 
For a few days. Be silent! lift him up. 
Lay him down gently; keep him fast asleep. 
(Genaro is laid on the litter.) 

Melciiiore. An odd surprise 'twill be, when he awakes. 
To find himself so far away from home. 

Ferdinand. He will suppose that fairies heard his dream 
And took him at his word. But such is life! 
Our wishes, if in earnest, surely plant 
The germ of their accomplishment; and we, 
Upright in purpose, will enjoy the fruit. 

( ThoughtfuUv.) Dream on, poor shepherd, in thy innocence, 
Unconcious of the artifice we plav. 
Perchance the unseen world may trick us too. 
{^March — Genaro is carried away on the litter, asleep — 
Exeunt., l. — Music.^ 
[end of first act.] 

ACT SECOND. 

SCENE I. 

Robbers' Cave in the Mountains. 

Pedro and Lucio, c, smoking pipes. 

Lucio. What think you, Pedro, 
Will the lads be frightened at fair weather? 

Pedro. No! not they! 
They will not come home empty. 

Lucio. They'll do their work at Ischia; but how long 
Will Ferdinand be gone from Court? 

Pedro. Not long; 
Just a few days, to please his own caprice. 

JLiUCio. The boys will bring rich booty. 'Tis the time 



28 



IF I WERE A KING. 



To make our fortune. Pedro, for my part 
I'd rather be a robber strong and brave 
Than risk my neck like King Ferdinand's, 
Though we thank him for our plunder. 

Pedro. Humph! We will — (A whistle is heard') 
Hark! There's Stephano's signal. {Answers it.) 

{Etiter Stephano and Cerano, l., with Gonsalvo and 

Banquo as prisoners.) 
Ho! what luck! 

Stephano. Here are two fellows to be shot, you see, 
When we have bled their purses. 

Banquo. {Flying to the door.) Murder! Oh! 
You do not mean to shoot us! Oh! don't! don't! 
Let us go free ! Have pity on us, pray ! 

Stephano. [Strikiitg him on the tnouth.) 
Shut up your mouth! Here, Lucio, hold his hands. 

Banquo. {Sti'iiggling.) 
Don't bind my hands! Murder! Murder! 

Stephano. Shut up, 
Or we will cut your throat to stop your noise! 

Pedro. The fellow thinks by shouts to save his life! 

Stephano. We must gag him. 

Banquo. {Screaming.) 
Gag me! Don't! 

Gonsalvo. {Taking Stephano aside.) 
Let me explain our case. Pray, for what end 
Should you destroy our lives, when, if set free, 
We could ensure your fortune? We have work 
Demanding just your pluck, and in your line — 

Stephano. {Abruptly.) 
What is it? 

Gonsalvo. {Keenly^ We venture nothing, man, in 
telling you? 

Stephano. Pray tell us darker secrets than our, own, 
If in your power, hidalgo! 

Gonsalvo. Very well: 
We want the king disposed of. 

Stephano. Ah! you do J 



IF I WERE A KING. 29 

GoNSALVO. Yes, quietly and quickly; and the man 
Who does the deed shall earn an independence. 

Stephano. In what way? 

GoNSALVo. By the reward we pay him, 
Not to speak of plundering the palace. 
You will not be detected; for forthwith 
Ruisco, the King's cousin, will be crowned, 
And will admit you to his confidence. 

Stephano. (/« surprise.') 
Ruisco! You are one of his! So ho! 
Shake hands with us. You are at liberty. 
Are you not Don Gonsalvo ? 

GoNSALVo. {Shaking- hajids.') 

Yes, the same. 

Stephano. Ruisco has employed us; 
We are friends. 

Gonsalvo. Well, well! All right! 
The plot works smooth as oil. 

Stephano. Do not let us detain you; but prepare 
For the great work to-morrow. 

Gonsalvo. ( With a business-like air, starti7ig to leave.') 
Very well; we'll meet within the Palace. Banquo, come! 

Banquo. I'm glad we're out of that. 'Twas a great 
risk ? 
And lucky, too, you spoke before they shot. 

Gonsalvo. [Aside to Banquo.) 
Banquo, you're a coward. Hold your tongue! 

{Exit abruptly^ L.) 

SCENE 11. 
Stephano, Pedro, Lucio, Urso, and Cerano. 

Stephano. There's been a cursed blunder! Blast the 
Prince! 
We thought him drowned. He was fished out. 
A wretch who saw him sink, swam to his help. 
And all must be done over. 

Cerano. Curse the rogue! 
Who was the rascal, and what took him there? 

Stephano. I know not who he is; but if again 



30 IF I WERE A KING. 

The scroundrel crosses me he'll learn the taste 

Of shot and powder. You men, watch your chance 

To end this slipper)' business. Shoot the Prince! 

Cerano. I understand you, captain. 

Stephano. {To the Bajidits.) 

Meantime, 
Be ready for adventures. Ruisco 
Left but a moment since. He counts on you. 

All. We are on hand ! 

Lucio. No fear. Our blades are keen. 

SCENE III. 

Bay of Ischia. 

{Bamjuo alone^ c, xvlth both hands to his ears as if fright- 
ened nearly to death. ^ 
Banquo. (yTrembling.^ 
I have my senses left— but oh, my stars, 
I don't see how it happened! Never man 
Lived through such fright! Just now, I have escaped 
Having my brains blown out, and like as not 
Won't get a cent of money from these knaves! 
How sad to think there is no honest way 
For people to make money! Had there been, 
I would avoid these troubles. As it is. 
My need of money may yet cost my life. 
I know not what to do, except to hide; 
For I could not endure another fright 
Like that among the robbers. Maybe, though. 
My troubles come because I have done wrong 
In stealing those two boys, heirs to the throne. 
I may have treated them unkindly, too. 
And now I get my pay for it. I'll go 
And find some lonely cavern, and will stay 
Till all this fright is over. I'll take 
A hermit's cowl and keep me out of sight. 
And say my prayers for fear I may be shot. 
Out on that old Ruisco! He it was 
Who first imposed upon my ignorance. 'Twas he 
Involved me in this trouble. Wicked wretch! 

{Exit Banquo.) 



IF I WERE A KING. 3 1 



SCENE IV. 

Valerio alojie — Enter Baptisto, Cecato, Silvio, Phi- 
Lippo and Marco. 

Marco. Valerio, where's Genaro? 

Valerio. I don't know. 
I cannot tell how he could get away 
Without my knowing, for I fell asleep 
Lying beside him ; but when I awoke 
I could not find him, hunting far and near. 

Cecato. i^Puzzled.) 
Where can the boy have gone? 
What shall we do? 

Baptisto, Do! Why, go on to Naples to be sure. 

Silvio. What! go without Genaro! 

Baptisto. Why, of course! 

Silvio. They'll think we have gone crazy! 

Baptisto. No, indeed ; 
They'll take us for a set of honest boys. 

PiiiLiPPO. But shall we dare to go with these old clothes 
Before the Court of Naples? 

Cecato. Yes; or, if not, 
We'll turn them inside out, to make 
Them clean. That's a grand invention! 

Baptisto. Boys, I think 
We should not make this fun. As to our clothes 
We have no second suits, so must wear these. 
But what we say ; that's the important point. 
Cecato, though, can talk just like Genaro: 
Cecato must be speaker. 

Cecato. (With a fi air of importance.') 

That I will. 
Now, if I had fine clothes — But never mind : 
I'll get a wig and whiskers, then my face 
Will be more dignified. Of course the King 
Will pay attention to what I say then. 

Baptisto. What will you sav? 

Cecato. (Indignantly.) " Your Majesty ! " You goat, 
You think I don't know how thev do at Court! 



32 IF I WERE A KING. 

Baptisto, {^Argamentatively.^ 
Why, no, Cecato; but for all us boys 
'Tis best to know when each one ought to speak. 

Cecato. ^ About to leave.) 
I'll go and get my whiskers and my wig — 
Then I can do it better. {Exit.) 

Silvio. (^Knoivingly.') Cecato 
Is really smart. He well knows what is what! 
i^E?itcr Cecato with wig and whiskers — AH clap their 
hands in applause on his appearance.) 

Cecato. Baptisto, you must stand at my right side; 
You, Silvio, on my left; Philippo, you 
Stand close behind Baptisto. Marco, boy — 
Go stand by Silvio. Now do this way : 

{^All do as directed by Cecato.) 
Stand strong on your left foot, your right foot out; 
Heads up, just like the soldiers. 

Valerio. May I not go to Court with all the rest? 

Cecato. Oh yes, you birdie! You were quite forgot! 

Valerio. I want to find Genaro. 

Cecato. Like enough 
We'll meet him on the way. You shall stand here. 
(^Gives Valerio a place in front of himself.) 

I'll say, " Your Majesty: We shepherd-boys 
Have something bad to tell" — {^gesticulates.) 

Baptisto. That is not nice. 
Say something that will show we are afraid 
He will not listen. 

Cecato. {^Making a second effort.^ 

Well : " Your Majesty, 
We know that shepherd -boys have little hope 
To gain an audience, yet well we know 
That loyal subjects must inform the King 
When wicked men conspire against the crown." 
{All clap their hands in approval?) 

Silvio. Delightful! Genaro couldn't do better. 
Let's write it down, so that you won't forget. 

Cecato. ( While Silvio writes^ 
Baptisto, you must say that one of us 



IF 1 WERE A KING. 33 



Has overheard a very wicked plot. 

(Scratc/ies his head). ""Tis bad without (ienaro— that's a 
fact! 
What were those fellows' names r I can't think. 

Baptisto. The king will ask iis questions by that time — 
And that will do. 

Evinor Cecato. ) Very grand! you look like mv grand- 
"father. 
Cecato. Let us go. W^e have to save our kingdom. 
Bovs, walk majestically! Boys, walk like me. 
Keep step with me. Remember! 
All. Yes, we will. 

{ AH strut off the stage. — Martial music.) 

END OF SECOND ACT. 



ACT THIRD. 

SCENE I. 

Rojal Hall. 

K.i.\(; Fekdin AND, Alonzo, Melcihore, Okazzo, Prince 
Alberto, Marino, Beppo, Lino, Guido, ami Verdi.) 

Ferdinand. Nobles and friends, we have for you to-day 
A most romantic pastime. All of vou 
Have a ]5rime part to phiy. I abdicate 
My crown, my throne, in favor of a joke. 

Melchiore. An abdication, worthy Ferdinand, 
Whose merry heart is worth a world of prowess, 

Ferdinand. (^Gai/y.) 
Melchiore likes the diplomatic farce 
Of laughter and good cheer. Well, he is right: 
Rome once was saved bv the cackling of the geese. 

Melchiore. A joke, too, might save Naples: if, in truth, 
Naples were not secure from danger. Ah, 
A long-faced monarch should invite the plague. 
Invasion, conflagration, and ill-luck! 



34 11'^ I WERE A KING 



Your jovial majesty, on the other hand, 
Spreads peace, content and plenty o'er the land. 

Albekto. But what's the joke, mv father? 

Ferdinand. It is this: 
In our excursion we by chance came near 
A fold of sheep, and lying on the ground 
Beheld a shepherd in light slumber. Now, 
Mirth-loving Melchiore, with keen ears, 
Heard a low strain flow from the dreamer's lips: 
We all drew near to listen, and the boy 
Was singing plaintively, '' If I were a king!" 
Melchiore laughed at this anomaly; 
But to amuse you, and to give the swain 
A taste of royalty to meet his wish. 
We saw him fast asleep, then lifted him 
Most cautiously on a litter, and asleep 
He came to Naples. For three davs to come 
He shall be king. My courtiers, act jour part 
Gravely and seriously; make the youth believe 
You never knew a mandate but his own. 

Orazzo. Hold! 
What, should he gi\c preposterous orders: 

Melchiore. {Laughing.) Then, 
An insurrection! Meditate, my lords! 
What, should the joke end in an insurrection r 

A L o N z o . (La ugh hig . ) 
I should stand bv to quell it. Gi^ e the joke. 
Your Majesty; we thank y<^>u foi- a joke. 

Ferdinand. Whatever this king commands shall l)e 
obeved, 
^Vs if 1 gave the order. Understand: 
Melchiore shall be master of the fun. 
And mystify the youth so he will think 
Himself transformed indeed — quite turned a king. 

Aebekto. T(i make him feci al home, some one should 
ring 
vSweet little sheep-bells; then the lambs should bleat. 

Melchiore. ( Caressing Alberto.) 
No, my young Prince: vour scheme would break the 

charm, — 
He woidd be still a shepherd. 



IF 1 WERE A KING. 35 



I'^KKDiXiVXi). Ah, in\ child. 
Your plan would be too homelike. Even thinii- 
Must be completely loyal. Let each one 
.\ppeai" in retjal robes of state. 

\'erdi. { Glec'fi(Ilx.\ 
"Twill be mag'nificent I Our lowest })uv\s 
Must ureet the Shepherd-King. 

Lino. And, (niidu, \ ou 
Must si;iud to bear his train upon the left. 

(irii)i). {Dissatisfied.) I'd rather on tiie right you on 
the left. 

.:\lbkkto. Hut, (juido, Lino's place is on the right. 

\'kiidi. Now, pageants, do not quarrel. And don't laugh. 

Lino. \ ]3tirsti7ig info an immoderate fit uf fan i^- titer ^ 
1 cannot help it. Tm sure 1 can't. 

\']-.KiJi. We ought to ha\ e some story \ ery droll. 
To make it seem that we but laughed at that. 

.\r.i5KRTo. ^'on should not laugh: Laughter will spoil 
the joke. 

X'liRDi. Ma\- be. If we can help't we will not. 
()therwise, I shall pretend to stumble. 

Lino. Sucli conduct would not be courth . 

\' 1:1; 1)1. What t)f that! 
FancN that clown once reeling lliiough llu- hall. 
Like- a scho(Mier in a gale. L(.)ok here: 
Tho^e peasant b(n s walk this wa\ : 

( He mimics a peasants zva/k. ) 

Ai.UKi; ru. No. Not all. 
1 --aw o//e peasant w ho walked like a ):)iiiice. 
lie did not \\ alk as \ ou walk. 

\'i:ki)|. How walked her 

.\].hki;tc). Most graciously. As well as von or 1. 

1'>:kdix,\nd. Delay not, jMelchiore. Let us haste. 
See everything prepared. Do not forget 
That none shall sa\ to me, •'• "S'our Majest} ." 
Should the\ . 1 will not answer. Bear in mind! 

Mkix'Hiok I.. 1 jjromise for the Court. 

Fkiidixanu. Dispatch affairs. 
Or his recumbent hiofhness will aw ake. 



^6 IF J "WERE A KING. 



^m 



Beppo. We have lost patience waiting. 
Verdi, {Laughing.) That is true; 
But now we all are ready for the sport. 

{Exeunt gaily. — Music.) 

SCENE II. 

Royal Reception Chamber. "\ 

\ 

(BozzA and Servants. Hnter [r. u. e.] Marino, 
GuiDO, and Lupo, bringing Genaro, clothed in royal 
robes., on a litter. ) 

BozzA. He makes a pretty picture, and in truth 
Could we but know the youthful peasant's dream , 

It would be very marvellous. 

Lupo. No doubt 
Of magic castles, and bright-feathered birds, 
And beautiful gazelles, and flowers that speak. 
Oh! I have dreamed such dreams an hundred times. 

BozzA. But this poor youth should have been left at 
home, 
To comfort parents who will mourn his loss. 
Think of the pangs they suffer! I must say 
King Ferdinand degrades his dignity. 
And will regret this folly. When we mock 
The poor and friendless we but curse ourselves. 
And shall receive rebuke. I feel ashamed. 
Old man as I am, joining in this farce: 
Though, young and old, we must obey the king. 

Marino. ( While they lay Genaro on a sofa^ 
These robes lie gracefully on him. If a prince, 
He could not wear a more majestic smile. 

BozzA. {Discovering the ivhite lock in Genaro's hair.) 
What does that mean'' Marino, do you see? {Points.) 

Marino. I see the boy's head, Bozza. What of that? 

Bozza. That lock of hair, white as a Greek's camice! 

Marino. {Obserznng it closely.) That is unusual! 

Bozza. ( With feeling.) Were the queen alive, — 
The lovely queen, as gentle as a flower. 



IF I WERE A KING. 37 



And thoughtful as an angel! — did she live, 

she would love this youth for that white lock! 
Marixo. He is indeed most comely; but that lock 

Adds nothing to his beauty in my eyes. 

BozzA. (Spca^rnjr mxsterioitsh'.) 
Speak not of that. I've seen the joy and grief — 
Within this jDalace for these twenty years 
I've seen the changes. They are sad enough. 
But I alone have memory of the griefs. 

{Enter r., Melchiore.j 

Melchiore. Have you the new king ready? 

BozzA. Ah! my lord 
Melchiore, in the Court — to which we look 
For gravitv and truth — I blush to see 
Proud noblemen descending to play jokes. 
The king ignores his danger: in his mirth, 
Ignores the past, forgets that one day since 
The Prince escaped so narrowlv from death. 

Melchiore. For this we should make merr\ . Good old 
man, 
Desist from gloomy words! Promptlv obey 
The new king's slightest wish. Bozza, depart; 
The shepherd youth is waking, and the scene 
Of his proud ele\ation must be cleared. 

BozzA. How totally degenei"ate the Court! 
A jest has cast a monarch from his throne, 
And made his royal diadem a toy 
To cheat an unoffending shepherd-l)o\ . 

{Exeunt^ R. ) 

SCENE III. 
(Genaro, aro7(s'uig^ and looking about. > 

Genaro. How strange this place appears! 1 went to 
rest 
Upon the greenswaril close beside the bay. 

1 cannot be mistaken! Dreams cannot 
Steal semblance of the real so exact. 
This place is like a palace. This mild air 
Is glittering with a splendor fairer vet 
Than dreams can paint, 



^8 IF I WERE A KING. 

{Enter i:., Mklchioke and Li'i'O.) 
Melctiiore. [Pavivo- homage.) 

Your majest\ , 1 prav 
That you most graciously do condescend 
To make vour orders known unto the Court. 

Genaro. (Risiifo- to his feet.) 
Mv orders, sir: I understand vou not I 
I am not in command! 

{lie makes (tc)vo>istratioiis as if to assure Iiiinself of his 

idei/tity.) 
Melchiore. [ I iieliiiing more pretfoundlv.) 

Vour majesty, 
We are vour courtiers true; vou are om^ king. 

Genaro. ( With dignity. ) 
I beg" 3'ou, sir, do not impose on one 
Who ne'er has harmed vou. Tell me where 1 am. 

Melchiore. In vour own palace, most benignant Prince. 

Genaro. Mock mc \\o more! Inform me who \ ou are, 
And bv what freak of fortune I am here. 

Mei.chiore. ^'our ro\al highness, kn()\\ \()u nut your 
Court — 
And \our most loyal subjects? VVe await 
To execute vour bidding. Pray, command! 

Ge X A RO. {Frankly.) 
In truth, good friends, Tm puzzled. Am 1 not 
Genaro, the poor shepherd? Where are those 
I love so well? \"alerio, my brother, — 
Cecato and Baptisto? Can you tell? — 
Where are those youths who tend the flocks with me? 
k^xplain this transformation! 

Meechiore, In good faith, 
Vour gracious highness makcth strange discoursf 
Of persons you before have never named. 
No doubt they are the creatures of your dreams. 
And ha\e no true existence. 

Genaro. Gentle sir, 
.Seek not to prove that I ha\-e grown insane. 
I am a shepherd lad : I watcli the sheep 
Under a man named Banquo. Now our flock 
Feeds by the waves of Ischia. Pray, reveal 
The cause which brought me hither; for mv friends, 



IF I AVERE A KING. 39 

Though poor, are dear as though of royal blood. 
Deceive me then no more. 

Melchiore. In very sooth 
Vour roval highness is at this good hour 
The mightv king of Naples. Sceptre and lands. 
Armies and castles, wait 3'our high behest. 
Hut, gracious sovereign, as you seem disturbed, — 
A perturbation from unpleasant dreams, — 
\\ e will depart, and at another time 
Come to receive vour orders. 

(jEXAKO. Do you mean 
To leave me now to solve this painful doubt? 

Meechiore. We go, that \ou nia\ better cahn \ our 
mind. {Kxeiint. u.) 

(iiiXAKo. ( With a puzzled aii\ icalkiiio- the floor.) 
How quite perplexing, unaccountable. 
This metamorphosis! I, a shepherd lad. 
Saluted as a king! How came I herer 
Were I no Christian, these events Tm sure 
Would seem the work of magic. But 1 knou , 
Whether in palace or beside my flocks. 
That heavenly guardians superintend m\ wa\s; 
Therefore I fear not. This may be a dream. 
For I am but a shepherd. All mv life 
r\ e been oppressed bv poverty, and Bauquo; 
I know none but the poor. True, yesterda\ 
1 rescued a young nobleman from death:- — 
This surelv is no fanc}-. This is real, — 

{Draws a C rossfrom his bosom). 
This Cross of gold is a most solid proof 
That I am still Genaro, and no prince. 
Shepherds (t'/V sing their songs; — Banquo did ra\e: 
The past is not a fable: and the plot — 
i, Rar)?estlx) The dark intrigue of murder That''- no 

sham I 
1 heard the traitor's words: I saw his face 
Gleam black, by stolen starlight. 'Twas no dream. 
The plans were all unravelled: and mv wish. 
When I lay down to slumber, was to fl\ 
Swiftl}- to Naples to inform the king. 
Behold, T waken in the roval hall!- 
This is nt) work of chancel [s there, indeed, 



40 



IF I WERE A KING. 



Aught like reality that I am a king? — 

Did my blest Angel-guide attend my prayer, 

And promptly bring me in this wondrous style? 

I doubt it not. What then am I to do? 

Duty, Genaro,— </«/)'.' You are here 

To save the kingdom. Traitors are at large, 

And ei'e 'tis midnight they will slay the king. 

My path is clear: if king — mock king or true, — 

I'm bound to save my country, and I will. 

[Enter R., Melchiore, Orazzo and Marino.) 

Melchiore. ( W ith a sycophanfs air.) 
Your Majesty, allow me the great bliss, 
The most distinguished privilege and joy. 
Of warm felicitations on your reign. 
Tranquillity, prosperity and wealth 
Flow from 3'our throne, as light flows from the sun. 

Orazzo. [To Melchiore.) 
And ne'er were cavaliers so fortunate. 
My lord Melchiore, as ourselves. Great Prince, 
( 'Turns to Genaro.) Your sovereign pleasure is our duty 

Genaro. Ah, 
I trust 3^ou do not flatter! All my life 
I've heard the simple truth, and little praise. 

Marino. We beg to serve your Majesty. P^or this 
We have the honor to approach the throne. 

Genaro. {Authoritatively- ) 
Be it so. Attend my orders. Call the Court, 
Ambassadors and Generals, with all speed. 
We must consult the Court without delay. 
On most important business. 

Melchiore. {Boiving profoundly.) As you will. 
And mav vour highness pass a happy day! 

[Exeunt omnes^ R, ) 



IF I WERE A KING. 4I 



SCENE IV. 
-.■\.n Apartment in the Palace. 

( Ruisco and Don Gonsalvo, seated.) 

GoNSALVO. To-night transpires the storming of St. Elmo; 
The fleet is manned for action- 

Ruisco. And the torch 
Of your stern power, Gonsaho, will ere long 
Illuminate the bier of Ferdinand. 

GoxsALVO. Yoin- hand on that, Ruisco! {They shake 
hands., laughing.^ I believe 
No plot before was ever planned so well. 
You sure were born a rascal. 

Ruisco. Like all men! 
A so-called honest man is but a knave, 
With a saint's mask to make him more complete. 

Gonsalvo. Our shrewd diplomacv would put to blush 
The strategy of any emperor: 
Suspicion is not dreamed of. 

Ruisco. Nor must be. 
Yourself and I must keep us tjuite aloof 
Till the last moment. We must be the first 
To utter lamentations for the king: 
You first to wonder; I to mourn the loss 
Of Naples from the Spaniards. 

Gonsalvo. Ruisco, 
That's the part I scruple not to play. 
Since I am much the gainer. 

Rifisco. Give me cheer 
For my success! Gonsalvo, greet mc king, 
Since king I surely shall be. Ferdinand, — 
Unwitting, foolish Ferdinand! — Sport on, — 
Nor dread the taper's light. This very night 
Thy fluttering wings shall bear thee to the flame 
Where thou wilt perish like a common moth. 
Ferdinand, thy days are numbered! 

Gonsalvo. In sooth, 
A wonderful coincidence is this, — 



43 IF I WERE A KING. 



Behold, your cousin abdicates in jest 
The crown he never shall again resume. 
Knew he the fate inipending, he would spare 
His trifling- sport to-day. But can >'ou tell 
Who is this mimic king? 

Ruisco. I do not know. 
A country bumpkin — picked up by the way, 
When sound asleep, to please the king's caprice. 
A straw king he! surely not fit to reign. 
But here comes Ferdinand — his spirits high. 
As though — gay, jolly prince!— he could not die. 
{Entcr^ K., Ferdinand, Mei.chiore, Marino, Lino, and 
Verdi, gaily.) 

Ferdinand. (Jood dav to you, my cousin! Givt- me 

joy! 

I'm eased of my sole burden, — of my crown. 
Don't a bare head become me well, my lords? 

Ruisco. All modes become my royal cousin. 

Ferdinand. Hold! 
Call me not ro3al. I am subject now 
To one who,, dreaming, wished to be a king. 
How very kind of him to take my throne! 

Gonsalvo. Yes, if he gro\^ not weary, like yourself. 

Ferdinand. No fears! ambitious monarchs wearN- not, 
Nor will our regal rustic. ( To Melchiore.) 

Vou declare 
That the neyv king seems used to his command? 

Meechiore. {^Laughijig. ) 
You could not do it better, my lord king. 
He draws himself up proudly, as a prince 
Just home from some grand conquest. 

Marino. He is shrewd, 
To catch so soon the spirit of the joke. 

P^erdinand. 'Tis mar\-ellous! 'Tis a wonder he, so 
young. 
Did yield not to regrets, and turn the throne 
Into a scene of blubbering, tears and sighs. 
Rut we must list to his supreme command. 

Melchiore. And ye, merr}' pages, take \e good care. 
And keep voiu'sehes from laughing. 



IF I WERE A KING. 43 

(Eiitci\ i:.. Ai.BEiiTo. ) 
I>f.\(). (^Bursts iitto laughter.) He! he! he! 
Ha! ha! ha! I cannot {A complete icproar.) 
Keep from hlu^"hino■, trv I e'er so much! 
I'fci'vDi X AN [). riien lea\e the hall. 
Lino. {Suppressing his laughter.) 
r)h, pardon, sire, and T will trv once more. 

Al.BEHTO. Vou ne\e]" coidfl pla\ kino-,— foi- \^■,\\ xvould 
lauo-h. 

yslide secuc., present ij/g (Jkazzo, Lii'O, (ii.iuo, ai/d Bei'Po, 
leadino- (tEKARo to the throne. All orret hini respect- 
fully. \ 

Genako. ( lu a lo/ul., clear voice.) 
Stand cver\' courtier in his ];)roper place. 

Ai-BERTO. {Aside iu surprise.) 
Oh! that's the shepherd-boy who saxed ni\ life! 
I want to tell my father, — for I know 
He'd not jjermit sport to be made of him. 

Genako. ( IVheu all is (/uiet.) 
Courtiers, Ambassadors, and ye Generals, — 
(rreat men of Naples, — ye are here convened 
For a great purpose, — an event, in truth, 
(^f greatest import. (Points to Ves//z'ius. ) Courtiers, when 

von mount 
Doth belch her lava forth upon the world, 
"\'e may be slumlwring, 'till the seething flood 
In one mad volle\ sweejjs \ om' snn'ling plains: 
'Tis so, my lords, with treason. Noblemen, 
Peace now pervades y<^ur empire — but, alas. 
What, should another day behold the land 
Made desolate;- her fortresses laid waste. 
Her king assassinated, — and her throne 
Csin-ped by the assassin.' See, my lords, — 
St. Elmo burned to ashes! — vSpanish blades 
Bristling throughout Palermo! — Gaeta sacked, — 
And Naples made the centre of this crime! 
This is no fancy picture, noblemen ; 
'Tis a faint shadow of im^jending woes 
That frown upon our kingdom. Doubt me not ! 
The crater now is heaving. Underneath 
The royal hall the usurper's snare is set; 



44 IF I WERK A KING. 



One whom the king has nurtured — in whose veins 
His own blood courses — has betrayed his trust; 

(Ruisco and Gonsalvo appear uneasy.) 
His fiendish love of power has led him on, 
Till, reckless of his country, of his God, 
He scruples not to take the monarch's life. 
Brigands now lie in wait to kill the king, — 
So cold is base ingratitude! My lords, 
The murderer who aspires to wear the crown 
Now stands before ye. Look! behold him there! 

i^He points to Ruisco. All eyes are tui'ned upon him.) 

Ruisco. [Angrily.) 
He lies! he lies! I will not bear this insult! 
{^He tries to escape.) 

Gonsalvo. {Excitedly.) 
You are, brave courtiers, to obey a clown, , 

And make an earnest matter out of jest! 

Genaro. Detain those cavaliers: no one shall leave! 
The Spanish fleet now waits within the Bay 
To storm St. Elmo. This is the intrigue: 
Our General in command is bribed to yield 
The fortress in mock skirmish. Time will show 
The detail of this villainy. Meanwhile, 
Secure yourselves from danger: search those men. 
{^Pointing to Ruisco and Gonsalvo.) 

Ruisco. Pray, will the Court stand bv and see this 
mockery ? 
True noblemen insulted by a fool — 
An idle stripling, — a wild, peasant bo}^? 
{The search proceeds., and papers are found on the person of 

each.) 
Orazzo. (^Handing a paper to Genaro.) 
Here is a paper traitorous to the crown. 

Genaro. ( Opens it., and reads :) 

" I, Don Gonsalvo, Minister from Spain 
To Court of Naples, pledge my solemn oath, 
When Ferdinand the King shall lose his head, 

( Consternation is seen on every face. ) 

To recognize Ruisco, his cousin, 
As King of Naples, if said cavalier 



IF I WKRE A KING. 45 



Deliver to the arms of Spain, forthwith. 
The Castle of St. Elmo, and estates 
Of Sicily and Gaeta. Hereunto 
I do affix my seal. 

"GONSALVO, 

" Ambassador from Spain." 
"To Ruisco." 

Making. {^Rxposing another fafer excitedly. ) 
My lords, I hold the traitor's answering pledge! 
Behold Ruisco's signature, my lords! 
Treason! High treason! 

( Tianult ; cries of " Treason^ Enter., i.., Usher. ) 

Genaro. Arrest those men! 

Ferdinand. Let no one leave this hall! Guards, keep 
the doors! 

Usher. ( Zl? Genaro.) 
Your majesty — outside some shepherds wait 
To give a message. Shall I bring them in? 

Genaro. Present them, usher. 
\^Enter., l., Cecato, uoith his ivhiskers and ~Mig ; Silvio, 

Marco, Baptisto, Philippo, and Valerio, each shov- 
ing the other along. ^ 

Cecato. {^Staniniering.^ 

Your high Ma — jes — tv : 
We — know of some something bad — 

Philippo. {Aside to Cecato.) 
That's wrong, Cecato; 
" We know that shepherd-boys — " 

Cecato. ( With his hands azvkxvardly clasped.^ and 
twirling his thumbs.^ Your Majesty, — 
We know that shepherd boys, — ahem! ahem! 

Silvio. {Aside., projfipting.) Have little hope— 

Cecato. {^ Aloud.) Have little hope, 
To be an audience — 

Baptisto, {Aside to Cecato.) 

" To gain an audience! " — 

Cecato. {Aside to Baptisto.) I guess T know! — 
I wish you wouldn't keep tellin'. 

Silvio. (Aside to Cecato.) Well, go on. 



46 IF I WKUE A KING. 

Cecato. (^ Aside to Silvio.) You put me out! 
{Aloud.') Now what shall I say next? 

Phii.ippo. {^Asidc to Cecato.) Biit wc know very 
well — 

Cecato. {Aside to •■Shepherds.) Oh! \es!- oh! yes! 
I remember now, boys. I can go on. 
{Aloud.) But we know very well that when bad men — 

Baptisto. {Aside to C'Rcxto.) . 
" Conspire against the kingdom, 'tis our place,"- 

Cecato. Conspire against the kingdom, 'tis our ])lacc 
To tell the king about it. We have brought 
A paper that will show how some bad men 
Intend to make great trouble. Here it is. 

Genaro. {Holding it itp., aftei- examiuiiny it.') 
Xobles and cavaliers, behold fresh proof 
Of perhdv and treason to the crown! 

Cecato. {Aside to his comrades.) 
W'h}-, boys! that is Genaro, not the king! 

Silvio. {Aside.) It is Genaro. Hush, though. We 
can't speak. 

Genaro. {Kindly to the shepherds.) 
Good rustics, we dismiss you with oiu" thanks, 
And will reward in future. Fare you well. {Exeunt., l.) 
Here is Ruisco's seal! See for yourselves. 
And read this paper that those shepherds brought. 

Melchiore. \, Receiving the paper., and reading it.) 

•' Ruisco sendeth greeting and good health 
To Gen. Cesare. Upon Wednesday next 
The Spanish troops attack our forts. Your part 
Is to make faint resistance. With pretense 
To do jour best — surrender! 'Tis enough. 
Meet me at midnight, Tuesday. I shall wait 
Beside the three white w illows till you come." 

Lords of the Court, this is Ruisco's hand: 
I've known it many years. The evidence 
Is quite conclusive. There reinains no doubt. 

Genaro. {Briskly). The officers of justice shall jjroceed 
Straightwa}- to St. Elmo, and there arrest 
The traitor Cesare. General, you, instead, 
Shall take the first conmiand with swift dispatch. 

{Pointing to Gen. Alonzo.) 



IF I WKKE A KING. 47 

Gbn. Alonzo. Thanks, i^racious sovereign. You shall 
be obeyed. 
With all alacrity. 

Genaro. Stay, gallanl chief : 
Select two chosen men to hurr}- on 
To Palermo and Gaeta. Lose no time. 
Command each fortress to be up in arms 
And make a stern resistance. Rouse the troops 
Throughout the kinoilom. Arm them for the Hj^ht. 

Gen. Aj.oxzo. M\ heart and ])rayers sliall hasten your 
desires. 
Nor shall triumphant .Spaniard set his foot 
Upon St. Elmo. Ah! this fiendish plot 
Will but unveil the traitors to tlie lig'ht, 
iVvert our dangx-rs and make sure our peace. 

CjKNARo. M\ lords. \ (,)u liaxe m\ orders. \o\\ , dis- 
perse. 
And pray Hea\ en to defend us. 

Ferdinand. i^As/'de^ with oreaf eiiiotioii.'\ 
The patron of fair Naples hath kept ward, 
And wondrouslv hath thwarted her dark foes! 
This shepherd is an angel sent from heaven. 

{Exeunt o/iJi/cs u., /// proci'ssioii.) 



SCENE V 



Ro.viil Hall. 

Ferdinand. i^Aloiw.^ 
M3-sterious Providence! This strange escape 
Is almost beyond credence. I'he light mirth 
Of courtiers bent ou pleasure, turns forsooth 
To rescue of the kingdom! This brave youth - 
This generous she])herd-bo\ ,- who can he be? 
A diamond quite misplaced! His is a mind 
Too jjrincely for his \o\.. How can his speech 
So quickly catch the habits of the throne? 
He is unused to aught but shepherds', ways. 
And yet his air would grace the throne of France. 
My heart is drawn to him most wondrously, 



4^ IF I WERE A KING. 



By an attachment unaccountable; 
Perchance 'tis gratitude, for I owe my life, 
My crown, my throne, to his self-sacrifice. 
Oh, patriotic youth, I would to Heaven 
That hearts like thine beat under courtly robes! 
{Bitterly^ Ruisco! thou infatuated man! 
Thou didst forget the ever sleepless Eye, 
And sought to hide thy -treachery from tlie light, — 
But thou hast been mistaken! 'Twas a child 
Prevented thee from ^perpetrating crime! 
My young deliverer, — who can he be? 
I must learn more about him. ( Turns to leave:] 
{^Enter BozzA. ) 
BozzA. Gracious king — 
[ beg attention. It is on mj- mind 
To speak with vou of a coincidence 
Worth your attention. 

Ferdinand. Pray go on. 

BozzA. Your royal highness, when the shepherd vouth. 
Whom you made king for pastime, lay asleep, 
I saw a white lock in his tresses Vjrown; — 
Nor could I pass it over. That white lock — 
The mark distinctive of your kingly line — 
Recalled to mind the loss of your two sons; 
And since the princely conduct of the youth. 
That white lock haunts me like a spirit voice. 

Ferdinand. Your words go to my heart. Good Bozza, 
mark 
This gentle shepherd closel}'. I, ere long, 
Will question him and learn his antecedents. 
You're sure you did not fancy that white lock ? 

Bozza. Pm sure, your majesty. The same fair tress. 
Near the right temple, gleamed upon his head 
As that upon your own. 1 took great pains 
To prove it no deception. 

Ferdinand. It is well. 
I shall investigate. Ah, generous youth, 
I could not love you more were you my son! 

( Sounds of cannon and dnitns outside. ) 
Bozza. Do you hear that sound? The enemy is nigh. 



IF I WERE A KIKG. 



49 



Ferdinand. {Grasping his sword.) 
The Spaniards! 'TIs the Spaniards in the Bay I 
The city is besieged! {Rushes out.) 

BozzA. God save the king! 
{Enter Mei.ciiiore, Orazzo, ^'KRDI, Bkim'o a//d Lupo /;-' 

consternation. ) 
What's happened, Mclchiore? Are we lost? 

Melchiore. The Spaniards are upon us. 

BozzA. Where are thev? 

Mei.ciik)RE. Within gunshot of shore. See for yourself. 
{All watch from the xvindow.) 

BozzA. We are all unprepared. How happens this? 

Meeciiiore. Not quite so unprepared as thc\- suppose. 

The Spanish fleet was moving all last night, 

But Cesare is in chains— thank God for that I— 
\\'e have the advantage. 

Marino. {Gazing out.) Look ! do you not see 
King Ferdinand there? Foremost in the fight! 

Orazzo. Good! Our guns do grand dispatch! That 
man-of-war 
[v going down already! 

Mei.ohioke. Ves! — she goes! 

She is their leader, too! They may as well 
Quit firing, and surrender, as to fight. 

{A loud discharge of cannon is heard.") 

LiFo. A strong broadside for once! As Fm alive 
The second ship is shattered! 

Orazzo. {Doubtfully.) But alas! 
The city is on fire. The flames run wild! 

Melchiore. We are prepared for that. The risk is 
small : 
Quick hands will quench the flames. 

Orazzo. But what, mv lord, 
Should they burn down the palace? 

Melchiore. They will not. 
Do you see the wind's the other way ? 
I Orazzo. But it may change. 
R BozzA. Orazzo, who is that 
Dashing among the soldiers? 



50 IF I WERE A KING. 

Orazzo. Don't you know — 
The shepheixl monarch. 

BozzA. If he's not inspired 
I must believe him some angeHc knight, 
Sent down Hke those who fought the First Crusade. 

Orazzo. How chunsily the Spaniards work their ships! 
Thev act as though half crazy. 

Melchiore. So they are. 
They have been caught in old Ruiseo's net, 
And flounder to escape it. 

Lupo. {Pointing.'^ But they can't. 
It's good enough for tiaitors. Yonder! — look! — 
The Spanish siege is at an end. ( Cannon.) 

Meixhiore. Huzza! 
The day is ours. The king now boards the ship — 
Our soldiers swarm the deck. Bad luck to Spain ! 
The admiral is a prisoner. Come, huzza 
For victory, for Naples, and the king! 

Orazzo. Perish invaders! Long live Ferdinand! 
( Tnm7ilt of firing and huzzas cease. — Exciint all.) 
{Enter Albeiito. j 

Alberto. Frightened.^ 
I wonder where the people all have gone? 
Those frightful noises! — cannon, screams and shouts! — 
I do not understand. Where can they be? — 
Melchiore and the rest? I am afraid 
My father will be murdered. Where is he? 
Father! Oh, father! — fathei! — where are you? 

\ Frantically walks the room and wrings his hands.) 
The palace will be burned, and I alone! 
Father! father! Why don't you hear me, father? 

[Enter Genaro. Alberto ^?<?.y to him.) 
VV^ill you not tell mc where the people are, — 
My father and the others? 

Genaro. {^Fecognizing Alberto.) Prince! dear Prince! 
Thank God, I ha\ e met vou! 

Alberto. (Astonished.) Shepherd-bo}^!— 
You are the shepherd-boy that saved my life? 

Genaro. I am, dear Prince. 



IF I WERE A KIXG. 



Alberto. ( C//V/,f''?V/_^' /o (tenaro. ") I'm very glad vou 
came. 
Vw fri^^litcned be\ ond measure. Can vou tell 
What all this firinj^ means, — the shouts and noise? 

Genaro. \Ve'\e fought and driven the Sjianiards. 
W^e are safe : 
Vour father and his kingdom. 

Ai.HERTo. {Embracing (jENAro.) ()1i, dear friend. 
To whom I owe my life I you may be sure 
1 think about \ou always, day and nij^ht; 
1 never can forget vou. Before long 
I wish to talk with you; but now, indeed 
I must search for m} father. Fare you well. (Exit.) 

Genaro. A thousand dreams could ne\ er be as strange 
As this realitv. I am n<j king, 

Though I have saved the kingdom. I leart and hand 
Ha\e just now battled to defend the crown, 
And vet another wears it. 'Tis all right. 
Yet, were I king, I'd wield m\ power for good. 
[Enter Ri isco xuith brig-attds.) 

Ri'isco. {^ Rushing furiously at Genaro.) 
Here is our cause of trouble! Sneaking spv, 
Vou thought you would escape us: but take that 

(ySir iking /n/n a vioU-nt b/oxc.) 
For giving information of our plot! 

Genaro. (Nitnbiy Jumping back and defying Riisco. ) 
{\\ do the same again. A thousand li\ es 
Are nothing to mv countrv. 

Rirsco. (Making another lounge at Genaro.) 
^'ou're but one — 
And that's not worth the naming! 

7 he rujians rush upon Genaro, zchen Cecato and some 
of the shepherds enter^ Cecato carrying a huge club.) 
Cecato. Stop, you knaves! 

Clear out, you tigers! Let that bov alone! 

CCecato deals Ruisco a mortal hi ozi\ and the brigands flee.) 
Genaro. [Embracing Cecato.) 

My dear Cecato, nou ha\e saved mv life! 



IF 1 WERE A KING. 



Cecato. And you have saved ten thousand. Bless you, 
boy! 
You're worth a dozen kings, say what they will. 

Genaro. Speak not of kings. I'm but a shepherd-boy — 
Simply Genaro, though a king at heart. 
Farewell, sweet vision! farewell, loftv aim; 
Proud hope to wield a sovereign's power for truth. 
To be a king for justice' sake ! 'Tis past, 
And I am but a powerless youth at last. 
But how, Cecato, chanced you to be here'' t 

Cecato. Think you, Genaro, we would go away 
Before we learned how you were brought to Court?' 
'Twas lucky that we staid, though. 

Genaro. Yes, dear friends; 
Ruisco would have killed me but for you. 
But we will go. I'm weary of the noise. 
The glitter, the contention, and the pride — 
The care and disappointment. I want rest. 
Old Banquo will not trouble us. Thank Heaven 
The I'ude, morose, old traitor ne'er again 
Can take advantage of poor shepherd boys. 
Without him we can lead a peaceful life. 
Quiet and pleasant, 'midst the gentle lambs. 
I've had enough of Court-life, Cecato; 
In glare and splendor I feel not at home: 
And like our own ways better. 

Cecato. I'ln rejoiced! — 
VVe were afraid that you had left us quite. 

Exeimt omnes. — Curtain. 



EXD OF act third. 



IF I AVERE A KING. 53 



ACT FOURTH. 

SCENE I. 

Bay of Ischia. 

[Genako lying asleep ; Baptisto, Phimppo, Marco, 
Silvio, and Cecato.] 

Philippo. Genaro sleeps most soundly. 1 am ^lad 
To see him take his rest; but am afraid 
That we must loose him. 

Cecato. Why? what do you mean.'' 

Philippo. They'll take him off to Naples, Fm afraid. 

Baptisto. No fears for that. Genaro would not go. 

Philippo. Wait! — I will tell you something. When the 
fight 
And troubles all were over, and the king- 
Came back into the palace, I was there. 
I did not know Genaro had come home, 
And found it out this way. The king's first words 
Were " Where's that glorious youth 
Who did so wondrously expose the plot?" 
Then everybody searched. They went and came. 
And hunted high and k)w, and all around. 
But no one found (icnaro. Now the king 
Became impatient, troubled and dismayed. 
Comrades, in all my life I ne'er saw man 
So eager as the king. He would not rest. 
*' Where is the youth to whom I owe my throne?" 
Thus cried he many times; and everyone 
Praised, loudly, the young shepherd. I was pioud 
To think 'twas our Genaro. Before long 
llis majesty told officers to search 
And find him at all hazards, then straightway 
To bring him to the Court. There is. you see. 
Much danger that we lose him. 

Cecato. {^Scornfully.') O, don't be afraid I 
Think you he'd go to Naples without us? 
Besides, no one would think of coming here. 



54 



IF I WERE A KING. 



Genaro. {In his sleep.) 
The palace! Guard the palace! Stand vour ground! 

Marco. ( Tnrmug to look at Genaro.) 
Genaro dreams he is in Naples. 

Philippo. Yes; 
He thinks he is in the hattle. 

Genaro. (Still asleep.) Kill me, then ! — 
Naples is saved! J^ut hurry, boys, hurry! 
The Palace is on fire: Save the young Prince! 

Cecato. Pll wake him — for he suffers in his dreams. 

Genaro. (Azvaking- zvith a start.) 
Where are we? Tn the palace? Arc the} gone? 
The brigands? Where are thev? I don't fear them. 
Alberto, mv dear Prince, what place is this? 

Philippo. Wake up, Genaro; let us hear you talk. 
You are at home, among your dearest friends. 

Genaro. {I^lacinfr his hand on his head.) 
I wear no crown. .1 dreamed I was a king. 
And swayed the sceptre. 

Cecato. Which indeed you do, 
Genaro. Welcome home! You are a king; 
And never was a monarch so beloved. 

Genaro. Yes; I'm at home. Yet these are roval robes 
It is not all a dream. I was at Court. 
What strange reverses rule my path! One day 
I go to sleep a shepherd in a vale — 
The next, wake in a palace, — save the crown. 
And nearly lose mv life. I sleep again. 
And waken in the forest as of old, 
Man is the toy of time, just like a leaf 
The gay wind tosses at its changing will. 
Cecato, all the pleasures of the world 
Are not worth seeking after; and to-dav 
I am contented with my humble lot 
More than mv words can tell you. You arc friends. 
Constant and true. Earth holds no greater wealth. 

Marco. You are fatigued, Genaro, and should sleep, 
For even heroes have a right to rest. 

Genaro. (In a merry manner.) 
Oh, I'm (|uite refreshed, Marco. Let us talk 



IF I WERE A KIN(;. 



35 



About old times, and of adventures late. 

i^Turns to Cecato. ) Ah, there you are, Cecatol stronij 

enough 
To master six brioands, and not half try. 

Cecato. {Laughing.) 
I should have brought xwy fanu)u^ club along 
To pickle in honor of its use. 

Genako. T thank the club. Cecato, aiul thank vou,— 
And both are well preserved in memor\ . 

PiiiLiPPO. These have been most exciting (la\ s to us. 
With fighting, winning, running to and fro. 

Gentako. Speak not about those things. (to farther 
back — 
Or, rather, let us stroll along the l)a\ 
And strive to think of nothing, 

PuiEipPO. If we can. 
But we will dance u,|5on the green to-niglit 
And be as merry as we wish to be. 

Genaro. Yes, dance and sing, and I'm sure ril thank 
Heaven 
That I was born to such a (juiet life. 
The flowering meadows and the sparkling ba\ , 
The cjuiet flocks, the traiupnl azure sk\ , 
Are fairer, after all, than Court of kings. 
Thank God! Fm but a simple shepherd I 

Philippo. We shall all thank God 
For giving our Genaro back to us. 

( Exeunt onincs. Lively nnisic. ) 

SCENE TI. 

Ray of Ischia. 

[Genaro, Cecato, Baptisto, Makco and Piiit.ippo, 
Enter Valerio."] 

Vaeeiuo. (Embracing (Jknaro. ) 
How are you, my dear brother? 

Genaro. Very well, Valerio. 
But it seems like a month since last we met. 

Valerio. Have vou not heard the frii^-htful news.- 



56 IF I WERE A KING. 

Genaro. What news? 

Valerio. Of Banquo's dreadful death! 

Genaro. [Surprised^ while the shepherds chister round.) 
Is Banquo dead? 

Vai.erio. Yes; he expired last night. He raved and 
cursed, 
Despairing to the last. 

Cecato. How did you hear^ 

Valerio. Friar Giovanni told me. He was there. 
And saw the miserable man breathe his last. 
He gnashed his teeth, and foamed, and tho't that hell 
Was open all around him, while his tongue 
Was V^itten quite in two. 

(jENAro. Enough, ^^alerio. 
Tell mc no more of that unhappy wretch 
1 shudder but to listen. 

Cecato. I am sure . 

I wish he had been good. 

Baptisto. And so do I. 

Marco. What is that out upon the water, boys? 

Genaro. A sail! The wind is fair. It comes this way. 

Marco. These are the royal galleys. Oh, how bright 
The gold and purple glitter in the sun I 

Genaro. It is a day propitious for a sail 
To those who are quite happy. 

Valerio. Are you not? 

Genaro. {Hesitating). No — yes, Valerio, happy in the 
thought 
That we are all together. 

Cecato. I have fears. 
Genaro likes tlie taste of life at Court, 
And will not be contented; though, you know, 
Now Banquo will not trouble, we can live 
As happy as se\ en boys could wish to be. 

Marco. Why are those galleys steering for this shore? 
It is remarkable. What can they want? 

Baptisto. These royal people are a wayward set, 
They have no business, and they stroll around 
To f^nd what they can do, See there! They land! 



IF I WERE A KING. 57 

Mahco. Thev are comino^ here direct. 'Tis for you, 
Genaro. Don't you go! Why don't you hide! 

{Enter Melchiore, Orazzo, c/r., etc.^ 

Melciiiork. ( Boioino- to (tenaro.) 
Youth worthy of all honor, Ferdinand 
Desires you at Naples. 

Genaro. Is it true 
IMiat I have been officious in my zeal! 

Melchiore. Not so. The king feels greath- in your 
debt 
For the grand service you have done the throne, 
And sends to beg vour presence at the Court. 

Genaro. The king's kind wish I cheerfully obey, 
If, gallant nobles, mv good comrades hero 
Can accompany me. 

Melchiore. Yes, brave Nouth, 
There is no selfish pulse in your true heart. 
And for \'our sake we honor those you love. 
Take them with you to Naples, if ^^ou please. 

Genaro. Thank you, my lords, — and we, my friends 
to-day 
Shall ride like happy princes on the bay. 

Exeunt onnies. — Music, 

SCENE III. 

Royal Hall. 

( Ferdinand am/ CouRriERs seated. Enter Melchiore, 
Genaro and \'alerio, -with Shepherds. 

Melciiiork. Your majesty, behold our great success, 
In bringing him we long so vainly sought, — 
The fortunate deliverer of Naples. 

{Alt greet (tENARo zvith marks of great respect.) 

Ferdinand. Welcome w ith honor to the ro^al hall, 
True benefactor, sa\ior of the crown. 
Your magnanimity has won all hearts — 
Your valor gained the plaudits of all tongues. 
( To the Court.) It is with pride we publiclv proclaim 
Genaro, from the Ischia, worthy praise 



58 IF I WERE A KING. 



Of most exalted nature. 'Tis to him 

We owe our life, our kingdom, and our peace; 

( To Genaro.) Accept my giatitude, most generous youth. 

Genaro. {Kneeling to kiss the hand of the king.^ 
My king, receive my homage. I am proud, 
Though but a peasant, if I have in truth 
The slightest claim to your unmeasured praise. 
But give it not to me. 'Tis not my right; 
For b}' a grace above all mortal grace 
Your kingdom has been rescued. Happy am I 
To be the instrument. Yet do not think 
I am insensible to favor shown 
By you, beloved sovereign. I am not. 
There is no heart more sensitive, my king. 
To gratitude your kindness must extort. 

(Melciiiore hanxis a letter to the king.) 

Melchiore. It is important news, your majesty. 

Ferdinand. [After reading with great e/notion.) 
It must be true. Ah, cruel Ruisco, 

How you have wronged me!— -but, thank Heaven! at last 
He has confessed his malice. {Looks at Genaro.) 

{Aside.) It is the same. 
The same white lock that marks our line of kings. 
He surely is my son. {Aloitd.) Nobles, go forth, — 
Be yc assembled in the hall of state. {Exeunt.^ 
Brave youth, your honoi's, measured by your deeds, 
Shall be awarded in their fitting place. 

( The sides and rear of the stage open., presenting the Royal 
Hall., throne, etc. Ferdinand leads Genaro 
to the throne.) 
Ascend with me, deliverer of the land. 
The throne saved by your zeal and wise forethought, 
And hark you while I question. 
(Genaro is seated by the king.) Will you tell 
Where are your parents? 

Genaro. Ah, your nnajesty. 
Father or mother I have never known! 
Those sweetest of all titles never yet 
Have found response when uttered by my lips. 
Save in the region of my mournful thoughts, 
My brother and myself are orphan boys, 



IF I WEKE A KING. 59 

Ferdinand. Where is your brother.-* 

Genaro. (Valerio advaticcs.) Here, your majesty. 

Ferdinand. { Einhracing hoth.s 'S'ou arc- not orphans, 
although motherless, 
Hut are my children, kidnapped years ago, 
And now miraculously given to my embrace, 
r am your father I {Folds them I'l/ //is arms.) 

Genaro. Oh! it is too much! 
1 cannot credit this great happiness! 
My father! Dearest father! 

Alberto. ( Coiiii/{i>- foi"oard.) What is this? 
Has it been proved that the patriotic youth 
Is reallv mv lost brother: He is the same 
Who saved \w\ life w hen drowning in ihe bay. 

Ferdinand. ( With o-rraf c mot ion.) 
And provetl in this, as main a time since then, 
True Angel of our Kingdom, of our house! 
I'hnbrace your brothers, Alberto, my son. 
And thank the God of kingdoms, who hath deigned 
To thwart the malice of our deadly foes. 

Genaro. ( Wit/i orcat feeling-.) 
A Prince I am indeed! No orphan now! 
Valerio, — Alberto, — father, — home. 
These each are mine; but I shall not forget 
Those who have loved me in adversity. 
M\ father and mv king, receive my friends: 
[J^ointiiig to the Shepherds.) 
Oh, shelter them from cruelty and wrong. 
That poverty invites from icy hearts; 
Reward them for the lo\ c they bear vonr son. 

Ferdinand. Wh\ ask me tliisr \'oin- friencU, beloved 
child, 
vShall be my special care. 

Cecato. Now this is grand! 
To have a real, earnest friend at Court! 

Genaro. Behold, dear comrades of mv orphan days, 
How signally \our love finds its reward. 



END OF I'LAV, 



PROLOGUE. (1882.) 



(Local.) 

Just fourteen years have passed since one, whose name 
Glows with devout affection's sacred fame, 
First gave the public that which we now bring, 
His graceful Drama, "If I Wkre a Kixg." 

Father Lemonnier! At the very soiuid 

What high and holy memories cluster roimd I 

What kind self-sacrifice! what sterling worth, 

Which made his friendship " paradise on earth," 

And sealed his title (nobler give, who can,) 

The true, the perfect Christian Genti.e.m.vn ! " 

Peace to the dead! O, calmly must he rest; 

For, blessing others, he must needs be blest 

(General.) — iS66. 

'Tis not our province to anticipate 

The plot and its denouement, but to wait 

The pleasure of our friends, who will discover 

The fair unfolding of our play, when over; 

Yet, we would fain impress on minds of youth 

The lofty grandeur of unswerving truth; 

Would mark the rule, that justice will, ere long, 

Reward all virtue, and redress all wrong; 

Will punish evil, opening to the light 

The deeds that tolly seeks to hide from sight. 

Though dark Ambition triumphs for the hour. 
Still must she answer to a mightier Power; 
The scheming Tyrant, who would wear a crown. 
When fearing least, shall see his pride cast down; 
\Vhile injured Innocence, though long oppressed. 
In her clear conscience shall find joy and rest. 

'Tis true to human eyes tull many a knave 

May prosperous seem, successful, wise and brave; 

Ruisco-like may scheme, and plot and plan, 

.\nd by deceit appear an honest man; 

But, falling in the snare himself hath laid. 

At last the debt of justice shall be paid. 



62 EPILOGUE. 



Though e\ery shepherd-boy, 'tis very true. 
Should labor not with earthly throne in view. 
Yet every youth, no matter how obscure, 
Should win a crown by being Jus f and pure : 
A diadem, to which the crowns of earth, 
i\re empty tinsel, dim, and without worth. 

In very truth, all Christians hold a claim 
To princelv thrones, to which we all can aim : 
And if we labor to secure the prize, 
Unnumbered kindred aid from the skies. 
If from this object all our actions spring, 
Each one bv right ma\ wish himself a king. 



EPILOGUE. (1882) 



Respected Friends: 

Now, our drama's course is ended; 

Now the actors' part is done; 
But not so, we trust, the wisdom 

That thoughout the plot has run ; 
For the noble aspiration 

Of the humble shepherd swain 
Led him on to Avorthy action. 

Gave his birthright back again. 

'Twas the royal blood within him 

Made him rise above his lot; 
He was born for " something better " 

Than the rustic shepherd's cot. 

' All his mind and soul could make him,"- 
This alone could satisfy 

The ambition of Genaro; 
'Twas for this he breathed each sigh. 
He would "be a King," to conquer 
Evil on the path he trod. 
To administer God's justice 
To the creatures formed by God. 



SYNOPSIS OF SCENES. 63 



Have you heard the golden story 

Of the young Prince Stanislaus? 
He was nobler than Genaro, 

Since his was a nobler cause. 
He despised an earthly kingdom, 

He refused a princely crown, — 
' Born," he said, " for something better 

Even than royalty's renown. 

Let us take the timely lesson 

F'rom Genaro and his cause: 
Let us likewise learn the mystery 

Of the Polish Stanislaus: 
Be all that "our minds can make us," 

Yet be something truer, higher, — 
We were "born for something better," 

Let us to that rigiit aspire. 



SYNOPSIS OF SCENES. 



ACT I.— Scene Firsj. 

Bay of Ischia — Shepherds watching their flocks — Mysterious letter 
found. 

Scene Second. 

Forest Scene \Iiilnight — Conspirators meet — Ruisco disco\ered 
— Royal joke. 
Music Orchestra 

ACT n. — Scene First. Brigands' Haunt. 

Scene Second. The Capture. 

Scene Third. Banquo Alone — His Troubles. 

Scene ?"oi rth. 

Shepherds surprised at the sudden disappearance of Genaro — They 
prepare to visit Naples, to inform the King of the Conspiracy. 
Music — Andante Militaire--//f7i'^« Orchestra 



64 SYNOPSIS OF SCENES, 

ACT III.— Scene First. Royal Palace. 

Scene Second. 

Bozza, Major-Domo ot" the Palace, appears and rebukes the King 
—The WMfc Lock. 

Scene Third. 

Shepherd-boj greeted by Courtiers -His astonishment at the sudden 
change ot aftairs. 

Scene Fourth. 

Conspirators alone — Are confident of success Royal Hall — They 
are astonished at the sight of Genaro -The eloquence of the Shep- 
herd-Boy completely overwhelms them Conspiracy disclosed -Cecato 
puzzled. 

Scene Fifth. 

Ferdinand returning thanks to Heaven for the preservation of his 
Life and Kingdom — Bozza's narration of the "White Lock" — Battle 
in the Bay — Naples in flames — Fright of Alberto, the King's son-^He 
meets Genaro — Ruisco attacks Genaro — Ruisco is slain by Cecato. 
Ml SIC — II Barbiere, Overture Orchestra 

ACT IV.— Scene First. 

Banquo acting the hypocrite — Flight of Brigands — Arrest of Banquo. 

Scene Second. Genaro asleep. Shepherds approach. 

Scene Third. 

A Hermit v isits Banquo, who is in despair — His advice totally disre- 
garded News of Banquo's horrible death. 

Scene Fourth. 

Bay of Ischia — Shepherds Lying on the Grass — Embassy from 
Naples — Departure of Genaro. 

Scene Fifth. 

Royal Hall — Ferdinand's joy in discovering his long-lost Sons 

Shepherds Rewarded for their Loyalty. 

Grand Tableau, and Chorus. 

Epilogue. 

Closing Remarks. 

Music Orchestra 






[SPECIAL LIMITED EDITION.) 

PRICE, PER COPY, 50 CENTS, 




IF I WERE A KING. 

A Drama in Four Acts. 

For Mijlc /Characters D/i/v. 



Jj2A4^txryfA^^cXAJ 



L ciMI'OSKl) I OR THE St. CeICU-IA PHILOMATH KAN SoCTETY, OF THE 

L'niversity ()i Notre Dame, Ixd., by a Member ok 
THE College Facllty. 



A DESCRIPTION OF COSTUMES, CAST OF CHARACTERS, 
ENTRANCES AND EXITS, ETC. 



AkKAXGED and PlBLLSHEI) 




NOTRE DAME, INDIANA 

t■^■l^'^:RSIT^■ pres.s 







sw 






ill 



Founded in 1842. 












mi 






YVi 



1^ 




"t-frSI ti! pa^ai-iBMO 



\\ 
> ) 

M 

)< »■ ' 

^-^ 
^» 

M 
M 

: K 

; ) 

^ I 

>-^l : 

■ t 

)■■ » 
>^-« . 
^•| 
r* 
''f > 

)-:t 
; « 

>:» : 

ft 

ft ■ 
ft 
fk 
f^l ' 

^;« 

>f3| : 
>?■!" ■: 



OCT -4 !945 



